PSY1010–Touchstone 4 Page 1

RUKAYAT ALABI

Smarter Decisions through Psychology

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Using your problem solving and self and social awareness skill and the information you learned
about brain plasticity, motivation, and mindset, answer the questions in this case study
assignment to help Monica offer strategies to improve Mark’s chances for doing well on the
compliance test.

For each question, you should write a paragraph-length response (5–7 sentences) to receive
credit for this assignment. You may use your Sophia tutorials as a resource.

Question 1:What kind of mindset does Mark need to embrace to be successful? Describe the
impact of mindset on success.

Answer 1: Mark needs to embrace the growth mindset to be successful. A growth mindset is
one that believes that abilities are changeable through dedication and effort. This mindset would
avail Mark the privilege to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than seeing
challenges as obstacles. The impact of mindset on success holds a crucial role in how to
approach challenges of life. A positive mindset will see obstacles as opportunities for growth. A
fixed mindset would lead to non-resilience, resulting in defeatist attitudes. Growth mindset
foster, flexibility, determination and readiness to learn from failures. Someone with a growth
mindset are more open and would take on challenges, seek feedbacks and persist in the face of
setbacks. This would lead to personal development and greater achievement. However, a fixed
mindset that already believes that abilities are unchangeable, can hinder progress and limit
potentials as it will not give room for risk taking and embracing challenges.

Question 2:What type of mindset does Mark currently have, and how does it affect his brain?
Explain how mindset affects learning.

Answer 2: Mark currently have a fixed mindset. The fixed mindset will affect his brain by
hindering his ability to learn new things effectively. A fixed mindset individual tends to believe
that their ability and intelligence are fixed traits, making them to give-up, avoid challenges or feel
threatened by others success. A fixed mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophesy where Mark’s
inability to learn new technology may impede his learning process. It can also lead to lack of
motivation to exert or seek help as individual may fear failure or believe that improvement is not
possible. With the right mindset like growth mindset, this can significantly enhance outcomes
and cognitive functions by promoting a positive and adaptive approach to challenge and new
experiences. A growth mindset is characterized by the belief that abilities can be developed
through dedication and effort, foster resilience, curiosity and willingness to embrace challenges.
In growth mindset individual seek out opportunities for leaving and improvement, persevere in
the face of set-backs and ultimately achieve greater success.
 PSY1010–Touchstone 4 Page 2

Question 3:What advice should Monica give to Mark, and why? Describe a specific strategy
that Monica can suggest to Mark to improve his memory and better prepare for the compliance
test.

Answer 3: Monica can advice Mark to actively engage with the materials made available to
them by the company by taking note, summarizing key points and practice recall through
techniques or personal quizzing. Monica can also advice Mark to see how he can synchronize
the new information with the existing knowledge or experiences he has already. This will make it
easier for Mark to understand and remember. Also, Monica can advice Mark to create a
structured study plan to assist him in preparation for the compliance test that has been
scheduled by the company using the materials made available to them. Monica can advice Mark
to always seek for help in clarification on any topic or concept he is having challenges. He could
turn to his colleagues or supervisor if necessary. Taking this proactive measures to studying
and asking for assistance when necessary will prepare Mark better and position him for them to
take the compliance test. Strategy of spaced repetition will help Mark improve in memory
retention by constantly going over the material before the date of the compliance test.

Question 4:If Mark were your coworker, what important aspects of the situation would you want
to keep in mind when offering advice and strategies to him? Why do you think this is important?
Explain the importance of tailoring advice and strategies directly to Mark’s situation.

Answer 4: If Mark were my co-worker, one of the important aspect of the situation I would want
to keep in mind when offering advice and strategies to him is empathy and support. Mark
making jokes about his struggles sows that the possess some level of insecurity or anxious
about learning new things or adjusting to new or modern techniques. In this case,
encouragement, reassurances and emotional support can help reduce or eradicate his concerns
and boost is confidence. Another strategy I will want to keep in mind understanding Mark’s
learning style. Understanding in learning style is fundamental. Some individual learn well
through hands-on experiences, others would prefer auditory explanations, some other visual
aids. The importance of tailoring advice and strategies directly to Mark’s situation will
significantly enhance his understanding and retention of the material that has been prepared for
the compliance test. Taking the advice and strategies directly to his situation is also important
because it acknowledges his unique strengths, weaknesses and preferences. This personalized
approach shows empathy and ultimately empowers Mark to overcome obstacles and achieve
his desired goals effectively.