
EconTalk Angela Duckworth on Grit
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Jul 25, 2016 Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into the concept of grit, defined as passion plus perseverance. She explores whether grit can be taught and its significance in achievement, distinguishing it from mere talent. Duckworth discusses her research methods, the importance of deliberate practice, and how parents can foster grit in their children. She also highlights the role of ethics and relationships in thriving, emphasizing that character development is a skill that can be improved over time.
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Grit Defined As Passion + Perseverance
- Grit is defined as passion plus perseverance for long-term meaningful goals rather than mere resilience.
- Angela Duckworth measures grit with a questionnaire capturing sustained interest and effort over time.
Self-Reports Can Predict Real Outcomes
- Self-report has error but predicts objective outcomes like West Point completion and Spelling Bee progress.
- Duckworth argues the grit scale taps something real beyond mere self-perception.
Talent Versus Grit Clarified
- Duckworth distinguishes talent as rate of improvement with effort, separate from skill or potential.
- Grit and IQ are largely uncorrelated and grit predicts persistence outcomes above talent.






