Generic and Specific Mind-Sets for Learning Graphic Design Principles

• In Event: Antecedents and Outcomes of Motivation Within Digital Environments

Abstract

It is possible that individuals do not endorse a general mindset and their mindset is specific to particular domains. We investigate the roles of generic mindsets (beliefs about general ability) and domain-specific mindsets (beliefs about domain-specific abilities) in learning of graphic design principles. Pre-service teachers (n=107) played an online assessment game in which they designed posters, then took a learning post-test. Results show that seeking critical feedback in the game moderated the relation between generic and domain-specific growth mindsets. Critical feedback-seeking improved learning outcomes only when students endorsed a weak fixed generic mindset. Theoretical implications suggest that generic and domain-specific mindsets are distinct psychological constructs, and that generic mindsets seem to be more important than domain-specific mindsets in predicting learning.

Authors

• Maria Cutumisu, University of Alberta

• Nigel Mantou Lou, University of Victoria