THE ROLE OF MINDSETS AND UNCERTAINTY TOWARD INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This research investigated the role of attitudes toward uncertainty (ATU), mindsets in academic risk-taking (AKR), and attitudes toward interdisciplinary learning (ATIL). Study 1 investigated the correlation between (1) intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and academic risk aversion and (2) IU and ATIL and the mediating role of fixed interest mindset for (1) and (2). Study 1 also investigated whether academic risk aversion differed between students’ years of study, with IU as a moderator. None of Study 1’s hypotheses were supported. Study 2 investigated the potential negative correlation (A) between a fixed intelligence mindset and AKR, with a failure-as-debilitating mindset as a mediator, and (B) between a fixed creativity mindset and ATIL, with ATU constructs as mediators. (A) produced null findings, while (B) was fully supported. Study 3 investigated whether a growth creativity mindset intervention caused more positive ATIL– null effects were observed. Implications and future directions are discussed.