A narcissistic generation?

[Pie]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I read a study awhile back

Was it this one? I found it fascinating -- no less so because I used the exact same techniques on my 33-year-old husband, starting his first semester in graduate school.

"See? You are as smart as those kids!"
- vs. -
"Wow, I guess all that time spent on the homework really helped!"

One gives them actionable advice; the other just encourages them not to look stupid (hard to do when you're taking on something that truly is challenging). It applies to adults just as well as children.