Original scientific paper
GENDER AND RESIDENTIAL DIFFERENCES IN IMPLICIT THEORIES OF INTELLIGENCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8-GRADERS
Kristina Kopić
; Osnovna škola «Antun Gustav Matoš»
Andrea Vranić
; Odsjek za psihologiju, Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Predrag Zarevski
; Odsjek za psihologiju, Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in implicit
theories of intelligence in 8-graders by using the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodology. These differences were explored with regard to students’ gender and the size of their place of residence. A sample of 330 students fi lled in the questionnaire ITI-VIII (Kopić, Vranić i Zarevski, 2007.). In their implicit defi nitions of intelligence female students were found to set more emphasizes on practical intelligence and motivation, while male students emphasize cognitive abilities, interpersonal skills, “academic” intelligence and verbal abilities, as well as personality traits and
physical characteristics. Also, a trend was observed suggesting that the larger the place of residence, the more important are cognitive abilities compared to interpersonal characteristics, motivation, personality traits and physical characteristics. This finding is discussed with regard to differences in values fostered by collectivist
and individualist cultures. In comparison to male classmates, female students are more of the opinion that intelligence is equally influenced by heredity and environment and they find academic success to be more dependent on intelligence. The largest
share of participants believes there are no gender differences in intelligence in the period of early adolescence and adult age (48% and 45% respectively). In comparison to those living in a bigger city, students living in villages and smaller towns are more of the opinion that education can boost intelligence and they perceive a stronger bond between intelligence and academic success.
Keywords
implicit theories of intelligence; early adolescence; gender differences; size of the place of the residence
Hrčak ID:
40000
URI
Publication date:
22.6.2009.
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