I think the study I posted was a little different than Carol Dweck's fixed vs. Malleable intelligence in that the changes in the cognitive level aren't permanent, but the higher level skills once acquired are. Maybe the difference is whoever's more comfortable functioning at the higher level continue on their quest, while others seek out birds of a different feather. I wonder how far the retained skills go? Do you retain algebra, once taught, if you don't use it?
FWIW I agree intelligence is Mutable, but not exActly in the "only if the little engine thinks he can."way. I think more like "one rotten apple spoils the whole bunch", but in this case "rottenness" is intelligence, which I believe might be contagious.
