Question

Perception can be conceived of as a synthesis of multiple factors. Is mindset a factor that can influence perception? Why or why not? Consider the video in which Carol Dweck discussed the open mindset as a journey. What do you believe she meant by this conceptualization? How does this notion run contrary to the fixed mindset and stereotyping of modern society? Does the conceptualization of an open mindset support or refute your position regarding mindset as a factor in perception? Explain.

Answer 1

• Our mindset is our perceptions or our beliefs about our abilities and qualities such as; our intelligence, creativity or musicality.
• Dr. Carol Dweck (2006) who is a leading authority in motivation and personality has discovered that our mindset is not a trivial oddity of our character, it creates our entire perception of attainable opportunities.
• Our mindset is what makes us optimistic or pessimistic. It shapes our attitude and it is the ultimate factor which determines our success or failure.
• Our mindsets (thoughts, beliefs, and expectations) are the lenses through which you perceive the world. And these lenses affect how you live and the choices you make every day.
• In a fixed mindset, people believe that their talents and intelligence are fixed traits that they are born with. They believe that these qualities cannot be altered. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that talents and intelligence can be developed, nurtured and increased at will through hard work.
• A growth mindset can be taught. It increases motivation and makes people more productive. This has been applied and proven consistently in a variety of fields that include sports, education, business, art, and more.
• A growth mindset believes that a person’s true potential can grow through learning, effort, experiment, and determination. The ability to stick to something, even when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of a growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
• Dweck explains that fixed mindset attitudes can influence behavior to “never look dumb." The concern for perceived failure trumps the willingness to continue improving and self-develop. Growth mindset attitudes emphasize learning, working hard to learn, and learning from mistakes.
• Dweck believes that fixed mindset conditioning can contribute to gender inequalities. In her research, she found that parents and teachers alike often gave more process praise to boys than to girls, thereby reinforcing a growth mindset among the boys, but a fixed mindset among the girls.
• According to Dweck, they should praise struggle, choosing difficult tasks, learning, and improving. Encouraging a growth mindset in young girls helps break down negative stereotypes.
• Whether in the home, an academic environment or business, leaders need to focus on fostering a growth mindset and promoting the idea that self-development, tenacity and learning build talent. By listening to one's inner growth mindset, individuals can change. And by deliberately cultivating a growth mindset in the cultures, organizations will be stronger and more likely to achieve their goals.