Question

What specific type of praise focuses on the steps taken to complete a task rather than labeling a person’s innate ability?

Accepted Answer

The specific type of praise that focuses on the steps taken to complete a task is called process praise. Process praise targets the effort, strategies, focus, or methods an individual uses to accomplish a goal. This is distinct from person praise, which assigns labels to innate traits such as intelligence or talent. When an individual receives process praise, they learn that their success is linked to their actions and choices, which fosters a growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work. For example, telling a student that they did a great job identifying the pattern in a math problem is process praise because it highlights the specific strategy used. In contrast, telling that same student they are naturally smart is person praise, as it attributes the result to an unchangeable characteristic. By centering feedback on the process, individuals become more likely to persist through challenges, as they understand that modifying their approach or putting in more effort can lead to better outcomes.

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What specific type of praise focuses on the steps taken to complete a task rather than labeling a person’s innate ability?