Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science behind growth mindset and lifelong learning
UBLearner2 is built on decades of rigorous research in educational psychology, motivation science, and learning theory. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 10 evidence-based learning dimensions and 28 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBLearner2's learning dimensions are built:
2006 • Random House
The seminal work that forms the backbone of UBLearner2. Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, presents decades of research showing how our beliefs about intelligence and ability shape how we learn, handle setbacks, and achieve our potential. Her discovery of "fixed" vs. "growth" mindsets has transformed education worldwide.
Essential texts on how humans learn and develop expertise:
2016 • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
The definitive work on deliberate practice from the psychologist who coined the term. Ericsson spent 30 years studying expert performers across domains to understand what separates the good from the great. The answer isn't innate talent—it's the right kind of practice.
2014 • Belknap Press
A collaboration between a storyteller and two cognitive scientists that translates research on memory and learning into practical strategies. Reveals why popular study techniques often fail and what actually works based on empirical evidence.
2014 • TarcherPerigee
Based on Oakley's popular "Learning How to Learn" MOOC (the world's most enrolled online course), this book presents neuroscience-based strategies for mastering difficult subjects—even if you've always believed you weren't "a math person."
2019 • HarperBusiness
Young, famous for completing MIT's 4-year computer science curriculum in one year, presents his research on intensive self-directed learning projects. Nine principles for learning anything faster and more effectively.
Research on what drives us to learn and explore:
2014 • Basic Books
Investigates the science of curiosity—why we're born curious, why it fades for many, and how to rekindle it. Leslie argues curiosity is the key capability for thriving in the 21st century economy.
2009 • Riverhead Books
Pink synthesizes 50 years of behavioral science to reveal that the secret to high performance isn't rewards and punishments, but the deeply human need for autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
2019 • Riverhead Books
Challenges the idea that early specialization is always best. Epstein shows how sampling, experimentation, and broad thinking often lead to greater success than narrow focus—especially in complex domains.
Research on how setbacks become opportunities for growth:
2016 • Scribner
MacArthur "genius" Duckworth shows that the secret to outstanding achievement isn't talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls "grit." Essential reading for anyone who wants to persist through learning challenges.
2015 • Portfolio
Examines why some industries (aviation) learn systematically from failure while others (healthcare) don't. Reveals how individuals and organizations can build cultures that turn errors into opportunities.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBLearner2's evidence-based approach:
Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.
Longitudinal study showing that students who believed intelligence was malleable showed increasing math grades over two years, while those with fixed beliefs showed flat trajectories.
Dweck, C. S., & Leggett, E. L. (1988). Psychological Review, 95(2), 256-273.
The foundational paper introducing implicit theories of intelligence and their relationship to goal orientation, effort beliefs, and response to challenge.
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58.
Comprehensive review of 10 learning techniques, evaluating their effectiveness based on empirical research. Found practice testing and distributed practice most effective.
Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.
The landmark study introducing deliberate practice as the key mechanism for acquiring expert-level performance in any domain.
Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302-314.
Review of research showing how growth mindset beliefs promote resilience in the face of academic and social challenges.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
Transform growth mindset research into daily inspiration with UBLearner2's 28 modules and 2,800+ curated quotes.