Browsing by Author "Kukkonen, Karoliina"

Objectives. Growth and fixed mindsets influence the performance in learning situations. This Master’s thesis investigated the manifestation of growth and fixed mindsets and the relationship of these beliefs with the ability to learn from mistakes and the amplitude difference of the error-related negativity (ERN) and correct response negativity (CRN) event-related potentials. This thesis investigated if a stronger growth mindset in one domain correlates with a stronger growth mindset in other domains compared to a fixed mindset. Furthermore, it was examined whether a growth mindset is associated with a smaller ERN – CRN amplitude difference and better post-error accuracy than a fixed mindset. Methods. The sample consisted of 97 8-11 year-old pupils. The electroencephalogram of the subjects was recorded during a mathematics task. In addition, post-error accuracy and growth and fixed mindsets of mathematical intelligence, general intelligence and emotion regulation were measured. Results and conclusions. A stronger growth mindset of mathematical intelligence correlated statistically significantly with a stronger growth mindset of general intelligence. The growth mindset of emotion regulation was not associated with that of mathematical or general intelligence. These three mindsets were not statistically significantly related to ERN – CRN amplitude difference or post-error accuracy. However, the relationship between a stronger growth mindset of mathematical intelligence and a smaller ERN – CRN amplitude difference approached significance. Moreover, against expectations a stronger growth mindset of emotion regulation was marginally significantly associated with smaller post-error accuracy. In line with earlier research, these results indicate that the growth mindsets of certain domains share some common variance. Inconsistent with previous studies, the effect of growth mindset on ERN – CRN amplitude difference or post-error accuracy could not be confirmed. This might be due to the young age of the participants and methodological challenges. This calls for further investigations of the maturation of growth and fixed mindsets and the ERN amplitude during different developmental stages.