The Power of Praise: Effort-Based vs. Intelligence-Based & Their Effects on Performance
As a society, we have long recognized the importance of praise in motivating & encouraging individuals to achieve their goals. However, not all types of praise have the same impact on performance. Two predominant types of praise are effort-based praise & intelligence-based praise. This blog explores the differences between the two approaches & examines the compelling findings from studies that shed light on how they affect performance.
Effort-Based Praise: Fostering a Growth Mindset
Effort-based praise centres around acknowledging & applauding the hard work & determination that individuals put into their endeavour’s. By praising the process, growth, & improvement, this approach encourages individuals to adopt a growth mindset. In a growth mindset, people believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication & hard work. They view challenges as opportunities to learn & improve, leading to a higher likelihood of pursuing ambitious goals & persevering through setbacks.
Study 1: Carol Dweck, 2007
In a seminal study conducted by psychologist Carol Dweck & her colleagues, students were given either effort-based or intelligence-based praise after completing a set of tasks. Those who received effort-based praise, such as “You must have worked really hard on this,” showed a marked improvement in their future performance. On the other hand, students who received intelligence-based praise, like “You must be really smart at this,” demonstrated decreased performance & a tendency to avoid challenging tasks to protect their self-image.
Intelligence-Based Praise: The Fixed Mindset Trap
Intelligence-based praise, also known as trait praise, focuses on praising inherent abilities, such as being smart or talented. While it may boost an individual’s self-esteem temporarily, it can inadvertently lead to the development of a fixed mindset. In a fixed mindset, people believe that their abilities are fixed traits, & they avoid challenges that could potentially expose their limitations.
Study 2: Claudia Mueller & Carol Dweck, 1998
In an enlightening study, Claudia Mueller & Carol Dweck assigned students a set of difficult puzzles. After completing the first set, the students were praised either for their intelligence (“You must be smart at these puzzles”) or their effort (“You must have worked hard at these puzzles”). The students were then given a choice of doing more easy puzzles or more difficult ones. Surprisingly, 92% of the effort-praised students chose the more challenging puzzles, while only 33% of the intelligence-praised students opted for the tougher ones. This study highlights how intelligence-based praise can discourage individuals from seeking challenges & hinder their overall performance.
The Goldilocks Zone: Finding the Right Balance
It is essential to strike a balance between the two types of praise. While effort-based praise is generally more beneficial for long-term development & motivation, intelligence-based praise can still play a role when used correctly. In situations where genuine recognition of talents is appropriate, it is essential to link it to effort & hard work.
Study 3: Eddie Brummelman et al., 2014
A study by Eddie Brummelman & his team investigated the effects of combining both effort & intelligence-based praise. They found that children who received a combination of effort & intelligence-based praise were more likely to take on challenges & maintain a positive view of their abilities.
Final Thoughts
Praise is a powerful tool that can significantly impact an individual’s performance & mindset. By embracing effort-based praise, we can foster a growth mindset, encouraging a willingness to tackle challenges & continuously improve. On the other hand, overreliance on intelligence-based praise risks promoting a fixed mindset, leading to a reluctance to take on difficult tasks.
As parents, teachers, mentors, & leaders, it is crucial to be mindful of the type of praise we offer. Recognizing & celebrating hard work, persistence, & improvement can nurture a culture of resilience & personal development, enabling individuals to reach their full potential.
Incorporating findings from the cited studies, we can create environments that empower individuals to embrace challenges, learn from failures, & ultimately achieve greater success in their endeavours. Let us choose our words wisely & inspire others with the kind of praise that fosters a growth mindset & a passion for lifelong learning.
References:
1. Dweck, C. S. (2007). The Perils & Promises of Praise. Educational Leadership, 65(2), 34-39.
2. Mueller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S. (1998). Praise for intelligence can undermine children’s motivation & performance. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 75(1), 33-52.
3. Brummelman, E., Thomaes, S., Orobio de Castro, B., Overbeek, G., & Bushman, B. J. (2014). “That’s Not Just Beautiful—That’s Incredibly Beautiful!”: The Adverse Impact of Inflated Praise on Children with Low Self-Esteem. Psychological Science, 25(3), 728-735.
