Entity Theory: A Review
Abstract
This paper provides a review of the entity theory in psychology. Entity theory has been defined as the belief that one’s intelligence is fixed and unchanging. This theory has been studied extensively since its introduction in the 1970s, and has been found to have implications for academic achievement, motivation, and psychological adjustment. The implications of the entity theory are discussed, along with the research methods commonly used to investigate and support the theory. The paper concludes with a discussion of the limitations of the entity theory and directions for future research.
Introduction
Entity theory is a belief system that one’s intelligence is fixed and unchanging. This theory, introduced by Dweck and her colleagues in the 1970s, has been studied extensively in the decades since, with research suggesting it has implications for academic achievement, motivation, and psychological adjustment (Dweck, 1986; Dweck & Leggett, 1988). This paper provides an overview of the entity theory, its implications, and the research methods used to support it.
The Entity Theory
The entity theory is a belief system that one’s intelligence is fixed and unchanging. This theory is based on the influential work of Dweck and her colleagues (Dweck, 1986; Dweck & Leggett, 1988). The theory posits that individuals who hold this belief are likely to view failure as a sign of their lack of ability, rather than the result of effort. This can lead to avoidance of challenging tasks, low motivation, and a lack of resilience in the face of failure (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Implications of the Entity Theory
Research has suggested that the entity theory has implications for academic achievement, motivation, and psychological adjustment. Individuals who view their intelligence as fixed are more likely to view failure as a sign of their lack of ability, rather than an opportunity to learn and grow (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). This can lead to decreased motivation and a lack of resilience in the face of adversity (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Additionally, this belief system can lead to avoidance of challenging tasks, which can have a negative impact on academic performance (Dweck, 1986; Dweck & Leggett, 1988).
Research Methods for Investigating the Entity Theory
The entity theory has been studied extensively in the decades since its introduction. Commonly used research methods for investigating the entity theory include surveys, experimental designs, and longitudinal studies.
Surveys are a commonly used research method for investigating the entity theory. These surveys typically involve asking participants questions about their beliefs about intelligence and their experiences with learning and failure (Dweck, 1986). Experimental designs are also frequently used to investigate the entity theory. In these studies, participants are typically assigned to conditions in which their beliefs about intelligence are manipulated, and then their performance and attitude towards learning is assessed (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Finally, longitudinal studies are used to investigate the long-term effects of the entity theory. In these studies, participants are followed over time to assess whether their beliefs about intelligence have an impact on their academic performance and psychological adjustment (Dweck & Leggett, 1988).
Limitations and Directions for Future Research
This paper has provided an overview of the entity theory in psychology. While the research on this theory has been extensive, there are still limitations to be considered. One limitation is that the research on this topic has largely been conducted with children and adolescents, and there is a need for more research with adults (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Additionally, the research on this topic has largely been conducted in Western cultures, and there is a need for more research to explore the implications of the entity theory in other cultures (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Finally, the research on this topic has largely been conducted with quantitative methods, and there is a need for more research using qualitative methods to explore the personal experiences of individuals with the entity theory (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Conclusion
This paper has provided an overview of the entity theory in psychology. The implications of this theory have been discussed, as well as the research methods commonly used to investigate it. The limitations of the entity theory and directions for future research have also been discussed. This review has demonstrated the importance of the entity theory in psychology, and the need for further research to understand its implications.
References
Dweck, C. S. (1986). Motivational processes affecting learning. American Psychologist, 41(10), 1040–1048.
Dweck, C. S., & Leggett, E. L. (1988). A social-cognitive approach to motivation and personality. Psychological Review, 95(2), 256–273.
Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed. Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302–314.