DOI
10.1177/1948550619841631
Abstract
We investigated whether a growth mindset intervention could be leveraged to promote performance and interest in computer science, through what mechanisms it might do so, and whether effects were stronger for women than for men. In particular, we explored whether the growth mindset intervention improved academic performance and career interest by increasing intrinsic value. We developed and tested a scalable, online, 4-session growth mindset intervention at 7 universities, across 16 introductory computer science classes (N = 491). The intervention did not have a significant total effect on academic performance, although it indirectly improved grades via value. Additionally, the intervention, relative to the control, improved interest in the field and value also mediated this effect. Counter to expectations, the intervention worked equally well for women and men. Theoretical and practical applications are discussed.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-15-2019
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2019, SageJournals.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619841
The definitive version is available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1948550619841631
Recommended Citation
Burnette, J. L., Hoyt, C. L., Russell, V. M., Lawson, B., Dweck, C. S., & Finkel, E. (2019). A Growth Mind-Set Intervention Improves Interest but Not Academic Performance in the Field of Computer Science. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 11(1), 107-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550619841.

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