Unpacking the Conflicting Conclusions of Meta-Analyses on Growth Mindset Interventions: The Influence of Measurement Scales on Study Outcomes

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:40 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Measurement Issues (Table 9)

Abstract

Despite the wide use of growth mindset scales, little research has investigated their psychometric quality. This study explored the variation of growth mindset intervention outcomes, attributing significant discrepancies to the different measurement scales employed across studies. By conducting a reanalysis of meta-analytic data, along with confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory
reevaluations of sample responses from prior research, this paper highlights the profound impact of measurement scale discrepancies on the perceived effectiveness of growth mindset interventions, including the potential for heterogeneous group effects caused by these discrepancies. The findings emphasize the necessity for improving and standardizing measurement tools to achieve consistent and reliable outcomes in growth mindset studies. This research advocates for methodological enhancements in measuring growth mindset interventions.

Authors

• Xuefei Zou, University of Pennsylvania

• Paul A. McDermott, University of Pennsylvania

• Robert Boruch, University of Pennsylvania