Incremental versus Entity Theories of the Self

           There appears to be two major underlying views of the self, the incremental theory of the self and the entity theory of the self. These two theories of the self represent the underlying views we have of ourselves. An incremental theory of self reflects the belief that an individual’s traits and attributes can be changed or improved upon with some sort of external input, such as working harder. An entity theory of the self, views an individual’s abilities and traits as mostly fixed leaving little room for improvement or change. It has been suggested that individuals that are more hard working in school would have more of an incremental view of the self, in that they believe that intelligence is malleable, if they work hard, their marks will reflect their hard work. Someone with an entity view of the self would feel little need to prepare, or study as they think regardless of the input the output will always be the same. These are two very opposing views of the self that seem to dominate the ways of thinking. Many members of Western cultures view themselves in more of an entity view, while members of Eastern cultures view themselves with an incremental theory of self.  Although these are in general terms, every culture is heterogeneous in that both ways of thinking would be expressed.

            I have been taught from a very young age, that I don’t just get anything or deserve anything without working for it. This incremental way of thinking has been instilled into my brain from day one. I always do my homework and school work to prepare for examinations. When I go to write an exam I always have an incremental theory of self, believing that the work I did to prepare for this exam will pay off with a good mark. I am not able to go into an exam and think that regardless of what I did my mark will be the same. This would save me plenty of time studying but I don’t think my marks would be what I want. I have a very strong sense of an incremental theory of self when it comes to my education.

            I have also had experiences where I exemplify an entity theory of the self. Many times when applying for a job of having an interview, we catch ourselves repeating the phrase, “it’s not what you know but rather, who you know.” If we analyze this expression we find ourselves saying that being the best for the job is not as important as knowing the management, or who will be doing the hiring. This is a strong reflection of an entity theory of self. Based on these two examples I can say that I hold both views of the self to a certain degree.