Improving the predictor-criterion consistency of mindset measures: Application of the correspondence principle

Abstract

Increasing the level of correspondence between measures of growth mindset and their related outcomes could afford more precise prediction of the relationships between growth mindset and social-emotional outcomes. To illustrate the value of measurement correspondence, two studies were conducted in Hong Kong. Study 1 showed that an agent-correspondent growth mindset measure (parents’ perception of the malleability of their children's personal qualities), compared to an agent-non-correspondent one (parents’ belief in the malleability of personal qualities of a generalized other), had stronger predictive relationship with children's likelihood of displaying difficult behaviors. Study 2 found that children's self-theories about the malleability of their intelligence (an intrapersonal construct) had stronger predictive relationship with academic engagement (an intrapersonal outcome) than did their perception of growth mindset norm (a normative construct). However, perceived growth mindset norm regarding personal qualities had stronger predictive relationship with peer relationship quality (an interpersonal outcome). Together these results demonstrated that when corresponding measures of growth mindset were used to predict an outcome, more reliable growth mindset effects would emerge.

Personal qualities are malleable and fixed: Ambivalent mindset, capability ranking reinforcement, and parent–child relationship among Hong Kong Chinese parents

“…Effects of mindset are domain-specific. Outcomes in a certain domain are more strongly related to mindset regarding attributes in the same domain than attributes in other domains (Chan et al, 2023; Dweck et al, 1995a, 1995b). The present study concerned the relationship between children's self-regulatory behaviors (academic disengagement and negative behavioral and emotional problems) and parent–child relationship.…”