Characteristics of Wise People Based on Implicit Theories: Regarding Group and Gender Differences

Abstract

This study with the aim of investigating characteristics of wise people based on implicit theories was conducted in the frame of qualitative and quantitative research designs. 334participants (189 malesand145females) in three age groups of adolescent (n=113), Young (n=134) and middle-aged (n=87) who were selected randomly answered an open-ended questionnaire. Results showed that in the total sample of 334, considering all aspects of every event is at first place of mentioned traits/behaviors (39.1 percent). The other traits /behaviors were, considering all aspects of every event, faithful, thoughtful and rational, tolerant and lenient, knowledgeable, kind, respect for themselves and others, wise, farsighted and intelligent respectively. In males and females ‘view wise was at first place of mentioned traits/behaviors (35.4 and 44.8 percent respectively). The other traits/behaviors had different priorities, and only in faithful, intelligent, farsighted, thoughtful and rational, just and knowing differences were statistically significant. Furthermore, differences were seen in age groups priorities but only respect for themselves and other people was statistically significant.

Keywords

• Wisdom
• implicit theories
• age
• gender