Which mindset emphasizes that abilities can develop through effort and perseverance?

• A. Growth mindset
• B. Fixed mindset
• C. Tabula rasa
• D. Cognitive rigidity

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the belief that abilities can develop through effort and perseverance, which is a growth mindset. This view holds that intelligence and skills are malleable and improve with deliberate practice, effective strategies, and persistence. Mistakes and challenges are seen as information to learn from, and feedback is a tool to adjust approaches rather than a judgment of fixed ability.

Why this is the best fit: it directly describes the notion that growth comes from effort over time, not from a static trait. A fixed mindset, in contrast, treats abilities as unchanging and tends to discourage effort when outcomes aren’t immediate. Tabula rasa centers on the idea of a blank slate of knowledge rather than on the belief about whether abilities can be developed through effort. Cognitive rigidity refers to inflexibility in thinking, not to beliefs about the potential for growth. Therefore, the statement about developing abilities through effort and perseverance aligns with growth mindset.