ExpertHard9 marksExtended Response
Brain and neuropsychologyLearningDweckHebb
AQA GCSE · Question 16
The psychologist Carol Dweck developed a theory about the way in which our mindset affects learning. Donald Hebb was a neuropsychologist who developed the theory of learning and neuronal growth.
Explain what Dweck means by 'fixed mindset' and 'growth mindset'.
Briefly describe Hebb's theory.
Discuss whether or not Hebb's theory supports the idea that having a growth mindset is an advantage when learning.
The psychologist Carol Dweck developed a theory about the way in which our mindset affects learning. Donald Hebb was a neuropsychologist who developed the theory of learning and neuronal growth.
Explain what Dweck means by 'fixed mindset' and 'growth mindset'.
Briefly describe Hebb's theory.
Discuss whether or not Hebb's theory supports the idea that having a growth mindset is an advantage when learning.
How to approach this question
1. **Dweck's Theory**: Define both fixed and growth mindsets. For each, describe the core belief and the typical behaviours associated with it (e.g., avoiding challenges vs. embracing them).
2. **Hebb's Theory**: Explain the core idea of Hebbian learning. Use the phrase 'neurons that fire together, wire together' and briefly explain what this means in terms of synaptic connections and practice.
3. **Discussion**: This is the main part of the question. You need to link the two theories. Explain how the behaviours of someone with a growth mindset (effort, persistence) would lead to the neurological changes described by Hebb. Then, explain how the behaviours of someone with a fixed mindset (giving up) would prevent these changes. Conclude that Hebb's biological theory supports Dweck's psychological one.
Full Answer
This is a synoptic question that requires you to connect two different psychological theories.
- **Dweck's theory** is about the psychology of belief and motivation. It's about how our attitudes towards our own abilities affect our behaviour and learning outcomes.
- **Hebb's theory** is about the neuroscience of learning. It provides a biological mechanism for how learning and memory physically occur in the brain through changes in neural networks.
The discussion requires you to show that these two theories are highly compatible. The psychological *behaviours* promoted by a growth mindset (persistence, embracing challenge) are the very things that trigger the biological *process* of learning described by Hebb. A growth mindset is advantageous because it encourages the activities that physically build a stronger, more connected brain.
Common mistakes
Describing the two theories but failing to make a clear and explicit link between them in the discussion section. The discussion is not just about evaluating them separately, but about synthesising them.
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