GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE Psychology GlossaryFixed Mindset

Fixed Mindset - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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A fixed mindset is the belief that a person's abilities, intelligence, and talent are set in stone and cannot change. People with a fixed mindset think they are either good or bad at something and that practice or effort won't make a difference.

In a school setting, this means that students might avoid challenges or give up easily because they believe they can't improve. GCSE Psychology students learn that having a fixed mindset can limit learning and growth, while a growth mindset, where people believe they can get better with effort, can help them achieve more and overcome difficulties.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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