Longitudinal Effects of Differing Beliefs About Innate Talent in Participants in an Intellectual Game
Author(s): Robert W. Howard
Abstract: Beliefs about the importance of innate talent to success in a domain may affect persistence and effort over the life span. Researchers mainly have examined the domains of formal education and physical sports. The present study examined beliefs and their longitudinal effects in participants in an intellectual game; international chess. Most players surveyed believe in innate talent for chess and that top players have more talent but differ in beliefs about how far most players can go. Effects of the latter differing beliefs then were examined by comparing groups who believed or did not believe that most players could reach grand master or top ten levels. Effects were minimal. Differing beliefs about innate talent had little apparent impact in chess players.
Keywords: Success; Life spans; Sports; Chess players; Education
Pages: 95-104
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