Are Fixed and Growth Mindsets Opposite Ends of a Single Continuum? Examining the Mindset Dimensionality

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Belief Systems at Work: Mindset and Achievement Goal Research

Abstract

Is growth mindset the direct opposite of fixed mindset, or can the two mindsets coexist to varying degrees within individuals? To address ongoing debates on the dimensionality of mindset beliefs, we applied bifactor-exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and latent profile analyses to a nationally representative longitudinal dataset (N = 6,826). Bifactor-ESEM demonstrated (a) a significantly better model fit than alternative models, (b) a strong enough negative correlation between two mindset factors, and (c) the specification of a general factor underlying the two mindset factors. No latent profile reflected high levels of both mindsets. Together, our findings provide strong empirical evidence for a unidimensional structure of growth and fixed mindsets, offering novel insights into the statistical modeling of mindset beliefs.

Authors

• Dayeon Jeong, Korea University - Brain and Motivation Research Institute

• Jimin Suh, Korea University - Brain and Motivation Research Institute

• Pey-Yan Liou, Korea University

• Mimi Bong, Korea University