Exploring the role of confidence, theory of intelligence and goal orientation in determining a student’s persistence on mathematical tasks

We consider Dweck's (1986) theory on the relationships between students'; beliefs concerning the nature of intelligence, their learning goal; orientation, their confidence, and their willingness to seek challenges and; to persist when faced with difficulties. Dweck's theories have been studied; for the past 20 years, for example by Stipek and Gralinski (1996) among; many others. In this study the beliefs and behaviour of 182 third level; students were investigated. These students had all chosen to pursue an; undergraduate course in a numerate subject. It was found that the; relationships between theories of intelligence and goal orientations were; more complicated than those postulated by Dweck, and in particular seem; to differ between the male and female students. We also found that a; student's theory of intelligence, goal orientation, and confidence in his; mathematical ability influenced his persistence at difficult mathematical; tasks. However, once again, differences were found between the male and; female groups.