Psychology Research Designs, Mindsets, and Stereotype Threat

Cross-Sectional Study

A research design that compares people of different ages at the same point in time to see how certain variables (like intelligence) differ across age groups.

Longitudinal Study

A research design that follows and retests the same group (the same cohort) of people over many years to track stability or change in a trait such as intelligence.

Cohort

A group of people who share a common characteristic—often age—who are studied over time in a longitudinal design (for example, the Scottish 11-year-olds who were retested decades later).

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities—such as intelligence—can develop through effort, good strategies, and help from others; associated with better academic achievement.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that abilities—such as intelligence—are set and cannot be changed, which can limit motivation and achievement.

Stereotype Threat

A self-confirming concern that a person will be judged or evaluated based on a negative stereotype about their group, which can lower test performance when the stereotype is activated.