Growth goals and growth mindset from a methodological-synergistic perspective: lessons learned from a quantitative correlational research program

Andrew J. Martin*, Rebecca J. Collie, Tracy L. Durksen, Emma C. Burns, Keiko C. P. Bostwick, Ana L. Tarbetsky

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This review explores predictors and consequences of students’ growth goals and growth mindset in school with particular emphasis on how correlational statistical methods can be applied to illuminate key issues and implications. Study 1 used cross-sectional data and employed structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the role of growth goals in mediating the link between interpersonal relationships and academic engagement. Study 2 conducted multi-group path analysis to investigate the role of growth goals in the academic outcomes of two groups of students (ADHD and non-ADHD). Study 3 used longitudinal data and SEM to test a cross-lagged panel design to investigate reciprocal links between growth goals and growth mindset. Study 4 conducted multi-level SEM where the effects of a growth orientation on engagement and achievement were investigated at the student-level (level 1) and the classroom-level (level 2). Taking these four studies together, we aim to show how correlational data and multivariate correlational analyses have been effective in answering research questions in a way that have practical and theoretical implications for students’ academic growth. We also position this review as a substantive-methodological synergy–an approach recently recommended in response to concerns about the increasing polarization of substantive and methodological research and researchers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)204-219
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Research and Method in Education
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • growth mindset
  • growth goals
  • substantive-methodological synergies
  • correlational research

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