What is the result of praising intelligence as found in the Mueller and Dweck study?

The result of praising intelligence, as found in the studies by Mueller and Dweck, indicates that this type of praise can lead to a decline in performance on harder tasks. When individuals receive praise specifically for their intelligence, they may develop a fixed mindset about their abilities. This mindset leads them to believe that their intelligence is inherent and unchangeable. Thus, when faced with challenging situations or tasks where they might struggle, they can become discouraged or anxious, resulting in poorer performance.

Moreover, this fixed mindset causes individuals to shy away from challenges, fearing that failure could reflect negatively on their perceived intelligence. In contrast, praising effort encourages a growth mindset, leading individuals to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties, ultimately enhancing their learning and performance.