Research paper
Mueller CM, Dweck CS. Praise for intelligence can undermine children’s motivation and performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1998;75(1):33-52. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.75.1.33. PMID: 9686450.
Why we cite it
The experimental origin of the praise finding this corpus has been carrying from a trade book. Six studies with fifth graders compared praise for intelligence against praise for effort and found the former produced worse outcomes on every measure taken after failure. It is the primary `kms01` needed — and it is a 1998 laboratory result in one age group, which is why the card pairs it with the replication literature rather than shelving it alone. 135 citations (Europe PMC, 2026-08-31).