Adrian Furnham

Self-assessed intelligence and confidence for the acquisition of skills

Abstract. This study set out to explore the relationship between beliefs about intelligence (BAI) (Dweck, 1999), estimates of self- and other- (specifically mother’s, father’s, and closest friend’s) intelligence (Furnham, 2001), and confidence in the acquisition of skills (CAS), in a sample of 266 British college students (194 females). As in previous studies, there were significant gender differences in self-assessed intelligence (SAI), such that males estimated their ability higher than did females. There was also a significant correlation between BAI and CAS, such that individuals who believed that intelligence may increase over time (incremental theorists) were generally more confident with regard to the acquisition of novel skills. Results are discussed in light of the potential theoretical links between perceived abilities and the development of future skills.