The Ballad of Grit
The concept of "grit" as a predictor of success takes center stage on this episode of Stuff You Should Know. Drawing from the pioneering work of psychologist Angela Duckworth, the summary explores the factors of perseverance and passion for long-term goals that define grit.
While grit's rise in education policy sparked wide adoption, the blurb also examines criticisms surrounding cultural biases in measurement and deficit thinking concerns. It sheds light on the debate around whether grit is distinct from conscientiousness, as well as potential pitfalls of tying high-stakes decisions to grit scores.
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1-Page Summary
The Origins of Grit
The concept of grit as a predictor of success was pioneered by psychologist Angela Duckworth. Through studies on student achievement, Duckworth found perseverance and passion for long-term goals were key factors, even beyond IQ. Her 2007 paper introduced the "grit scale" to measure work ethic and tendency to persevere, showing grit predicts success across various domains.
Rise in Education Policy
Duckworth's work on grit exploded in popularity, cited over 60,000 times and integrated into social-emotional learning curricula by the early 2010s. Some districts tied funding to student grit levels measured by grit scale questionnaires. The concept proposed addressing the shortcomings of No Child Left Behind by focusing on students' resilience.
Criticisms and Debates
Is Grit Distinct from Conscientiousness?
Critics argue grit merely rebrands conscientiousness, one of the "Big Five" personality traits. Some studies suggest minimal difference between the two concepts and question grit's predictive power for exam scores.
Deficit Thinking Concerns
Measuring grit raises concerns about reinforcing deficit thinking and harmful stereotypes, especially for disadvantaged students. Cultural biases in self-reporting may also skew grit assessments.
Teaching Grit vs. Systemic Issues
A major critique is that emphasizing grit shifts responsibility to students rather than addressing systemic barriers in education. Incorporating grit into accountability standards could distract from foundational solutions like funding.
High-Stakes Implications
Using grit scores for high-stakes decisions like school funding is widely criticized, including by Duckworth herself. There are concerns about oversimplifying when tenacity may not always be beneficial.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Grit, as a concept, focuses on an individual's perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It suggests that beyond traditional measures like intelligence, having grit can be a significant predictor of success in various areas of life. This trait emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and sustained effort in achieving one's objectives. Angela Duckworth's research popularized the idea of grit and introduced a way to measure this characteristic through the "grit scale."
- The "grit scale" introduced by Angela Duckworth is a psychological tool designed to measure an individual's perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It consists of a series of questions that assess a person's ability to maintain effort and interest over an extended period. The scale aims to quantify the trait of grit, which Duckworth defines as a combination of passion and perseverance towards achieving objectives. By using this scale, researchers and educators can evaluate and understand an individual's level of grit and its impact on their success in various areas of life.
- Integration of grit into social-emotional learning curricula involves incorporating the concept of grit, which emphasizes perseverance and passion for long-term goals, into educational programs that focus on developing students' social and emotional skills. This integration aims to help students build resilience, determination, and a growth mindset, alongside traditional academic learning, to support their overall success and well-being. By including grit in social-emotional learning, educators seek to equip students with the tools to navigate challenges, setbacks, and achieve their goals by fostering qualities like perseverance and resilience. This approach acknowledges the importance of not only academic knowledge but also the development of character strengths that contribute to long-term success.
- The No Child Left Behind Act was a U.S. federal law enacted in 2002 to improve educational outcomes by holding schools accountable for student performance. It emphasized standardized testing to measure proficiency and progress, aiming to close achievement gaps. Critics argued it led to teaching to the test, narrowed curricula, and punitive measures for underperforming schools. The law was eventually replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, which gave more flexibility to states in setting education goals and policies.
- The "Big Five" personality traits, also known as the five-factor model, are five broad dimensions used to study personality: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. These traits help psychologists understand and describe different aspects of an individual's personality and behavior. Each trait represents a spectrum, with individuals falling somewhere along each continuum. The Big Five model is widely used in psychology to assess and analyze personality traits.
- Deficit thinking concerns relate to the worry that focusing on measuring traits like grit may inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes or assumptions about certain groups, particularly disadvantaged students. This concept suggests that by emphasizing individual characteristics like grit, there is a risk of overlooking systemic issues that contribute to disparities in educational outcomes. It highlights the importance of considering broader social and structural factors when discussing traits like perseverance and resilience in educational settings.
- Systemic barriers in education encompass institutionalized obstacles that hinder equal access and opportunities for all students, often disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. These barriers can include inadequate funding, unequal resource distribution, biased policies, and discriminatory practices within the education system. Addressing systemic barriers involves recognizing and dismantling these ingrained inequities to create a more inclusive and fair educational environment for all learners. By tackling systemic issues, the goal is to promote equity, diversity, and improved outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Using grit scores for high-stakes decisions like school funding can be problematic because it oversimplifies complex factors that contribute to student success. Relying solely on grit assessments may not accurately capture a student's potential or account for external challenges they face. This approach could lead to unfair distribution of resources and funding, potentially disadvantaging students who may excel given appropriate support. Critics argue that such a narrow focus on grit overlooks systemic issues within the education system that also need to be addressed for equitable outcomes.
Counterarguments
- Grit may not be a universal predictor of success, as success can be influenced by a multitude of factors including opportunity, access to resources, and individual talents that may not require perseverance.
- The grit scale, while a useful tool, may not capture the complexity of an individual's character or the situational factors affecting their ability to persevere.
- The popularity of grit in education policy may have led to an oversimplification of educational challenges and an overreliance on a single characteristic to address diverse student needs.
- The integration of grit into curricula could potentially overshadow other important educational goals, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
- The association of funding with student grit levels could create inequities, as it may not account for the varying levels of support students receive outside of school.
- While grit is proposed to address the shortcomings of No Child Left Behind, it may not be sufficient to overcome the systemic issues that contribute to educational disparities.
- The argument that grit is distinct from conscientiousness is still under debate, and more research may be needed to clarify the relationship between the two constructs.
- The focus on individual student resilience could inadvertently blame students for systemic failures, rather than prompting necessary systemic reforms.
- Emphasizing grit might lead to the neglect of emotional well-being if students are pushed to persevere without adequate support for the stress and challenges they face.
- Using grit scores for high-stakes decisions could result in unintended consequences, such as teaching to the test or incentivizing students to exaggerate perseverance at the expense of honesty and self-awareness.
- There is a risk that the concept of grit could be misapplied or misunderstood, leading to practices that do not actually foster genuine resilience or long-term success.
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The origins and research behind the grit concept
The concept of grit as a predictor of success in various areas of life originates from the research conducted by psychologist Angela Duckworth. Her studies have explored how perseverance and a consistent focus on long-term goals contribute to success, even beyond traditional measures like IQ.
Grit identified as a predictor of success through psychological studies
Duckworth's observations stem from her experiences as a University of Pennsylvania psychologist, where she noted that students with lower IQ scores were achieving beyond expectations in areas like math. This prompted further study into the trait of perseverance.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth's research on grit, including observing students with lower IQs performing better than expected
In exploring this trait, Duckworth developed a graft scale that identified hard work and perseverance as significant factors in academic and other types of success. A 2007 paper by Duckworth is often referenced as an initial statement on grit, where it's suggested that adherence to long-term goals is central to achieving success.
Duckworth's development of a grit scale to measure levels of perseverance and consistency of interests
Duckworth and her colleagues' "grit scale," introduced in the same year, was based on questionnaires that assessed students' work ethic and their tendency to persevere in the face of challenges. This scale, which measures consistency of interests and perseverance of effort, has been shown to predict various success outcomes. It has been found to be a reliable predictor in settings like the rigorous West Point boot camp, the National Spelling ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The origins and research behind the grit concept
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Grit and conscientiousness are related as they both involve aspects of perseverance and diligence. Conscientiousness generally focuses on being organized, responsible, and dependable in various tasks. Grit, on the other hand, specifically emphasizes sustained effort towards long-term goals and the ability to maintain interests over time. While they share similarities, grit is more narrowly focused on long-term goal pursuit compared to the broader traits encompassed by conscientiousness.
- The West Point boot camp is a rigorous training program at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. It is designed to prepare cadets for military service by instilling discipline, physical fitness, and leadership skills. The camp includes intense physical training, academic coursework, and character development activities. Completion of the West Point boot camp is a significant milestone for cadets on their path to becoming officers in the U.S. Army.
- The National Spelling Bee is an annual competition in the United States where students compete by spelling words correctly. It is open to winners of regional spelling bees and has participants from various countries. Contestants must meet age and grade eligibility criteria to compete. In 2019, the competiti ...
Counterarguments
- The grit scale may be subject to self-reporting biases, as individuals might not accurately assess or report their own levels of perseverance and consistency.
- Grit may not be as strong a predictor of success in all contexts or cultures, and its importance could be overstated when compared to other factors like social support, intelligence, or socioeconomic status.
- The concept of grit could potentially oversimplify the complex nature of achievement and underemphasize the role of systemic barriers in success.
- Some critics argue that the emphasis on grit might lead to the neglect of emotional well-being, suggesting that an excessive focus on perseverance could contribute to burnout or stress.
- There is debate about whether grit is truly distinct from conscientiousness or if it is simply a component of this broader personality trait.
- The idea that grit can be developed across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds may not fully account for the structural inequalities that affect educational and profe ...
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The rise and application of grit in education policy and curriculum
The concept of grit, popularized by Angela Duckworth, has profoundly impacted education policy and curriculum, prompting debates about its effectiveness and application in schools.
Rapid spread and prominence of the grit concept in academia and the media
Angela Duckworth’s work on grit erupted into the academic and media landscape like a "summer blockbuster" following the publication of her paper in 2007 and her subsequent TED Talk and book. The grit concept, including her suggestions that it could be cultivated, found a receptive audience amidst growing skepticism about the No Child Left Behind Act. It proposed addressing shortcomings in education by focusing on students' resilience and determination, rather than test preparation alone.
The concept of grit was so captivating that it has been cited over 60,000 times and has become a pillar of social-emotional learning (SEL), where the emphasis is on teaching students character education—including behaviors like cooperation and perseverance. By the early 2010s, this approach had officially been integrated into some district curricula.
Grit highlighted as a potential solution to shortcomings of No Child Left Behind
The dissatisfaction with No Child Left Behind paved the way for grit to be hailed as a potential panacea. The call for a broader educational model that measured more than test scores contributed to the burgeoning interest in character education, with grit as its cornerstone.
Adoption of grit-based assessments and curricula in some school districts, with funding tied to student grit levels
California's pilot study exemplified the policy push, linking school funding to students' levels of grit as measured by questionnaires or grit scales. Statements such as "I finish whatever I start" became metrics for allocating educational dollars.
Challenges and criticism of implementing grit in schools
While the idea of fostering grit is not new, its formal evaluation through questionnaires poses potential difficulties. Critics argue that measuring grit could reinforce deficit thinking, particularly among disadvantaged students, by holding them to character-based standards. Duckworth herself has expressed concern about how to effectively teach grit and suggests caution against using grit assessments to evaluate teacher or school performance.
Concerns about measuring character and imposing "deficit thinking" on disadvantaged students
One of the most pressing concerns is that attributing lower grit scor ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The rise and application of grit in education policy and curriculum
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The No Child Left Behind Act was a U.S. federal law enacted in 2002 under President George W. Bush. It aimed to improve educational outcomes by holding schools accountable for student performance on standardized tests. Critics argued that the focus on test scores led to teaching to the test, narrowing the curriculum, and neglecting non-tested subjects like art and music. Additionally, concerns were raised about the punitive measures imposed on schools that did not meet the required benchmarks, which some felt unfairly penalized schools in disadvantaged areas.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) focuses on teaching students skills beyond academics, emphasizing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It aims to help students understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is designed to support students in developing essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in school and beyond. By integrating SEL into education, schools aim to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that nurtures students' social and emotional development alongside their academic growth.
- Grit-based assessments and curricula involve evaluating and teaching characteristics like perseverance and resilience in students. These assessments measure traits such as finishing tasks started and overcoming challenges. Curricula based on grit focus on developing these qualities in students to enhance their success and well-being. The goal is to incorporate these non-cognitive skills alongside traditional academic subjects to better prepare students for challenges in education and beyond.
- Linking school funding to student grit levels involves using measures like questionnaires or scales to assess students' levels of grit, which is their perseverance and passion for long-term goals. In this context, statements like "I finish whatever I start" are used as metrics to determine how determined and resilient students are. Schools may receive funding based on these assessments, aiming to incentivize the development of qualities like grit in students. This approach aims to encourage schools to prioritize character education alongside academic achievement.
- Deficit thinking is a mindset that focuses on what individuals lack rather than their strengths, often leading to negative stereotypes and assumptions about certain groups. In the context of education, it can manifest as attributing academic struggles solely to personal character flaws rather than considering broader systemic factors. This approach can unfairly stigmatize disadvantaged students and overlook the impact of social inequalities on their educational outcomes. It's important to address deficit thinking to ensure fair and inclusiv ...
Counterarguments
- Grit may not be a one-size-fits-all attribute, and emphasizing it could overlook the importance of other factors like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
- The focus on grit might inadvertently blame students for their struggles, ignoring the complex socio-economic factors that impact educational outcomes.
- Measuring grit is subjective and could be biased, leading to unfair assessments of students' potential and abilities.
- The emphasis on grit could perpetuate a narrow definition of success, prioritizing perseverance over well-being and balance.
- There is a risk that grit could be misinterpreted as simply working harder, rather than working smarter or more strategically.
- Grit-based education may not address the need for systemic changes in education that can create more equitable learning environments.
- The concept of grit might be culturally biased, favoring individualistic over collectivist values, which could disadvantage students from diverse backgrounds. ...
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The major criticisms and debates around the grit concept
The concept of grit, popularized by Angela Duckworth, has become the center of intense debate and criticism within educational and psychological circles.
Questioning whether grit is meaningfully different from conscientiousness
Angela Duckworth's work on grit, which emphasizes persistence and passion for long-term goals, has been met with skepticism. Critics argue that grit might not be meaningfully different from conscientiousness—one of the big five personality traits known to predict outcomes in various situations. While Duckworth and her colleagues have defended grit as distinct, arguing that it adds a layer to conscientiousness, some researchers believe this merely rebrands an old concept, potentially leading to confusion and misallocation of research funds.
Limited predictive power of grit
Some recent studies and meta-analyses have questioned the predictive power of grit. Josh Clark cites a 2016 study indicating that grit only explained about 0.5% of variance in exam scores, suggesting a negligible role in students' performance. Additionally, another study found a 95% overlap between grit and conscientiousness, casting further doubt on whether there is a significant difference between the two concepts.
Critique of using grit to place responsibility on students rather than addressing systemic barriers
A major critique of the grit narrative is that it places undue responsibility on students, potentially ignoring systemic issues. Some experts argue that promoting grit may justify the neglect of foundational solutions like properly funding schools and providing student support. Critics suggest that focusing on individual perseverance overlooks the need to tackle systemic problems in education and socio-economic disparities.
The conversation hints at a concern that the emphasis on character education, like grit, especially within accountability standards like the Every Student Succeeds Act, may deflect from addressing systemic needs.
Concerns about applying grit-based assessments to children
Self-reporting and cultural biases
Angela Duckworth's initial work on grit involved self-reports from students, raising concerns about the reliability of such measures, especially when applied to children. Critics note the possibility of cultural biases in these assessments, mentioned indirectly through discussions of study samples that may not generalize across diverse classroo ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The major criticisms and debates around the grit concept
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Grit, as defined by Angela Duckworth, focuses on perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It is distinct from conscientiousness, a personality trait associated with being organized and responsible. While some argue that grit is merely a subset of conscientiousness, Duckworth suggests that grit adds a unique dimension to understanding individual success and achievement. The debate centers on whether grit truly offers new insights or if it overlaps significantly with existing personality traits like conscientiousness.
- Grit's limited predictive power suggests it may not strongly influence outcomes like exam scores. Studies indicate that grit may only explain a small percentage of the variation in academic performance. Some research highlights a significant overlap between grit and conscientiousness, raising questions about the unique predictive value of grit.
- The critique of placing responsibility on students rather than addressing systemic barriers highlights concerns that emphasizing traits like grit may shift focus away from systemic issues in education, such as funding disparities and support structures. Critics argue that solely promoting individual perseverance could overlook the need for broader systemic changes to create a more equitable learning environment. This critique questions whether an overemphasis on personal characteristics like grit could inadvertently perpetuate inequalities by not addressing underlying systemic challenges. It underscores the importance of balancing the development of personal qualities like grit with addressing systemic barriers to ensure all students have equal opportunities for success.
- Grit-based assessments for children involve evaluating traits like persistence and passion for long-term goals. Concerns arise due to potential cultural biases in self-reporting measures and the implications of using these assessments for high-stakes decisions in education. Critics argue that relying solely on grit assessments may overlook systemic issues in education and socio-economic disparities. Angela Duckworth herself has cautioned against using grit scores for significant decisions like school funding or student promotion.
- Cultural biases in grit assessments can arise due to differences in how individuals from various cultural backgrounds perceive and express traits like perseverance and passion. For example, cultural norms around self-reporting and attitudes towards persistence may vary, impacting how individuals respond to grit assessment questions. These differences can lead to inaccuracies i ...
Counterarguments
- Grit as a distinct construct:
- While there is overlap with conscientiousness, grit specifically focuses on long-term goals and passion, which may capture unique aspects of personality and motivation not fully encompassed by conscientiousness.
- The distinction between grit and conscientiousness could be more nuanced in practice, with grit providing a more targeted approach to understanding perseverance in the face of challenges.
- Predictive power of grit:
- Even if grit explains a small percentage of the variance in outcomes like exam scores, it could still be a valuable predictor when combined with other factors.
- The predictive power of a trait is not solely determined by its effect size but also by its applicability across different contexts and populations.
- Addressing systemic barriers:
- Emphasizing grit does not necessarily preclude efforts to address systemic issues; both individual traits and systemic reforms can be pursued simultaneously.
- Teaching grit could empower students to better navigate systemic barriers, potentially serving as a complementary approach to systemic change.
- Cultural biases in grit assessments:
- Measures of grit can be refined and adapted to account for cultural differences, improving their reliability and validity across diverse populations.
- Cultural biases in psychological assessments a ...
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