An Evolutionary Approach to Motivation and Learning: Differentiating Biologically Primary and Secondary Knowledge

IF 10.1 1区 心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL Educational Psychology Review Pub Date : 2024-04-18 DOI:10.1007/s10648-024-09880-3
Kate M. Xu, Sarah Coertjens, Florence Lespiau, Kim Ouwehand, Hanke Korpershoek, Fred Paas, David C. Geary
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Abstract

The ubiquity of formal education in modern nations is often accompanied by an assumption that students’ motivation for learning is innate and self-sustaining. The latter is true for most children in domains (e.g., language) that are universal and have a deep evolutionary history, but this does not extend to learning in evolutionarily novel domains (e.g., mathematics). Learning in evolutionarily novel domains requires more cognitive effort and thus is less motivating. The current study tested the associated hypothesis that learning will feel easier and more motivating for evolutionarily relevant (e.g., “mother,” “food”) than evolutionarily novel (e.g., “computer,” “gravity”) word pairs and that a growth mindset emphasizing the importance of effort in learning might moderate this effect. Specifically, 144 adults were presented with 32 word pairs (half evolutionarily relevant and half evolutionarily novel) and were randomly assigned to a growth mindset or a control condition. Evolutionarily relevant words were better remembered than evolutionarily novel words (d = 0.65), and the learning was reported as more enjoyable (d = 0.49), more interesting (d = 0.38), as well as less difficult (d = − 0.96) and effortful (d = − 0.78). Although the growth mindset intervention fostered a mindset belief, compared to the control condition, it did not lead to improved recall performance or changes in motivational beliefs. These results are consistent with the prediction of higher motivation and better learning of evolutionarily relevant words and concepts than for evolutionarily novel words and concepts. Implications for future research and educational practice are discussed.

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动机和学习的进化方法:区分生物初级知识和次级知识
在现代国家,正规教育无处不在,与之相伴的往往是一种假设,即学生的学习动机是与生俱来和自我维持的。对于大多数儿童来说,在具有普遍性和深厚进化历史的领域(如语言)中,后一种假设是正确的,但这并不适用于进化新领域(如数学)的学习。在进化新领域的学习需要付出更多的认知努力,因此学习动力较弱。本研究测试了一个相关的假设,即与进化相关(如 "母亲"、"食物")的词对比起进化新颖(如 "计算机"、"重力")的词对,学习会感觉更容易、更有动力,而强调努力学习重要性的成长型思维模式可能会缓和这种效应。具体来说,研究人员向144名成年人展示了32对单词(一半是进化相关单词,一半是进化新词),并将他们随机分配到成长型思维模式或对照组条件下。与进化新词相比,进化相关词的记忆效果更好(d = 0.65),而且学习过程更愉快(d = 0.49)、更有趣(d = 0.38)、难度更低(d = - 0.96)、更省力(d = - 0.78)。虽然与对照组相比,成长型思维模式干预培养了一种思维模式信念,但它并没有导致回忆成绩的提高或动机信念的改变。这些结果与进化相关单词和概念比进化新单词和概念的学习动机更高、学习效果更好的预测相一致。本文讨论了未来研究和教育实践的意义。
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来源期刊
Educational Psychology Review
Educational Psychology Review PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL-
CiteScore
15.70
自引率
3.00%
发文量
62
期刊介绍: Educational Psychology Review aims to disseminate knowledge and promote dialogue within the field of educational psychology. It serves as a platform for the publication of various types of articles, including peer-reviewed integrative reviews, special thematic issues, reflections on previous research or new research directions, interviews, and research-based advice for practitioners. The journal caters to a diverse readership, ranging from generalists in educational psychology to experts in specific areas of the discipline. The content offers a comprehensive coverage of topics and provides in-depth information to meet the needs of both specialized researchers and practitioners.
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