Host: Andrew Huberman, Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine
Guest: Dr. David Joerger, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin
Focus: Research on mindsets, specifically growth mindset and stress as performance-enhancing mindset.
Upcoming Book: "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" (Summer 2024)
Key Concepts
Growth Mindset
Definition: The belief that abilities and potential can change; not merely trying hard, but understanding change is possible under the right conditions and support.
Importance: Counteracts the stress of feeling static and unchangeable.
Research Findings
Field Experiments: 2019 paper demonstrated that a brief growth mindset intervention improved academic performance in students for years.
Intervention Details: Two sessions about 25 minutes each for 9th graders led to increased likelihood of better grades and advanced course enrollment in high school.
Long-Term Impact: Positive effects observed four years later regarding high school graduation and college readiness.
Mechanisms Behind Growth Mindset
Defensiveness vs. Remediation: Fixed mindset leads to defensiveness; growth mindset encourages looking to others for strategies to improve.
Typical Responses:
Fixed mindset leads individuals to feel worse about themselves when they fail and to protect their ego.
Growth mindset fosters openness to learning and self-improvement.
Stress as Performance-Enhancing Mindset
Reappraisal of Stress: Training individuals to view stress as a helpful resource rather than an obstacle.
Physiological Response: Do studies that demonstrate how different interpretations of stress influence biological responses.
Practical Applications
Interventions: Techniques to persuade individuals to adopt a growth mindset and to positively interpret stress through structured, supportive environments.
Optimal Learning Environments: Encouraging a culture that values growth, learning, and constructive feedback.
Mentor Mindset
Definition: A balance of high standards and high support.
Importance: Creates an environment where criticism is given constructively, enabling growth without diminishing motivation.
Example: Strategies used by effective mentors and coaches to encourage growth in students and employees.
Importance of Contribution
Contribution Mindset: Focusing on what one can do for others can enhance motivation and learning.
Research Findings:
Contribution to others can lead to greater perseverance and deeper learning, even in mundane tasks.
Studies show that when students feel their work serves a greater purpose, they are more likely to engage and perform well.
Personal Reflections from Dr. Joerger
Path to Psychology: Shifted from law aspirations to teaching in a low-income school, then to researching motivational psychology after being inspired by impactful experiences.
Driving Philosophy: Believes in the inherent agency and desire for growth in individuals, especially young people.
Final Thoughts
Cultural Shifts Needed: Moving away from purely critical environments to those that foster growth, learning, and constructive feedback.
Future Implications: Expanding on the work of growth mindset can lead to better educational and professional practices.
Call to Action
Support the Podcast: Subscribe on Spotify and Apple, leave reviews, and check out sponsors mentioned in the episode.
Engagement: Encourage listeners to consider the application of growth and contribution mindsets in their own lives.