Possibly Alfie Kohn reads the forums?
Dweck's 2000 book, mentioned in the article, may be of interest to readers on these forums:
Self-Theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development. This book discusses research on adaptive and maladaptive motivational patterns.
Dweck never included a no-praise control group in her effort/ability studies. This is a major flaw in them.
A
neutral control group is alluded to, however is not reported in the book
mindset. Additional questions on the original research or any subsequent research are mentioned
upthread.
While some may see all praise as manipulation, "a patronizing pat on the head for having jumped through hoops", and the antithesis of unconditional love... others may see the guidance and formation of a child as an important expression of support for the child and society; Without use of praise there may be only negative reinforcers and/or unguided children.
For example.
Any theory taken to extreme... is extreme.
