As children progress through grade school, they begin to make clear distinctions between ability and effort as causes of achievement outcomes. Factors that contribute to these distinctions include

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All of these contribute to children's increasing awareness and differentiation between ability and effort as causes of achievement outcomes.

Cognitive development plays a role in this as children's abstract reasoning and metacognitive skills develop, allowing them to think more deeply about the causes of their own achievements and those of their peers.

Teacher's use of grades and other ability appraisals also contributes, as these explicit evaluations provide clear feedback on a child's ability and can shape their own beliefs and self-concept about their abilities.

Furthermore, children's increasing reliance on social comparison information means that they are comparing their achievements to those of their peers and learning that effort may not be the only factor contributing to success. This can lead to the differentiation between ability and effort as causes of achievement outcomes.

As Children Progress Through Grade School, They Begin to Make