Development and validation of the Multidimensional Mindset Scale: Growth and fixed mindsets

Abstract

Evidence suggests that fixed and growth mindsets shape human behavior (Rucker & Galinsky, Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2016;26(1):161–164); however, empirical research on mindsets is highly sensitive in terms of how they are measured. This article addresses specific limitations in measuring growth and fixed mindsets using existing scales, especially Dweck's (Self-theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development, 2000) scale, which is the most recognized and commonly used instrument in this area. The main contribution of the article is that it develops an alternative scale that addresses these potential limitations; specifically, the proposed scale (1) measures the fixed and growth mindsets as independent constructs (note that We refer to “independence” among constructs (fixed and growth), considering that they are not just two opposite constructs of the same continuum, but different constructs. Thus, we included items for each one to capture the properties of each construct while avoiding the use of the same items in reverse coding), (2) does not use reverse coding, and (3) comprises four dimensions including important variables that should be considered when measuring mindsets: intelligence beliefs, practice and effort, challenges, and multiple intelligence. To this end, we employed a multi-method approach by combining qualitative research with the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of a survey database to arrive at a 25-item scale of growth and fixed mindsets. The scale, denoted as the Multidimensional Mindset Scale (MUMIS), satisfies reliability, convergent, divergent, and nomological validity tests. MUMIS opens new avenues to explore the understanding of the effects of specific intelligence beliefs, practice and effort, challenges, and multiple intelligence in fields like consumer behavior, education, psychology, and well-being.