Is conscientiousness an innate personality trait or can it be developed?

Question

Letsup the ante a bit: Can someone with a record of low conscientiousness do a Phd?

Answer 1

Personality traits are defined by consistency in behaviors - and behaviors have both dispositional (innate) and environmental antecedents.  So, you can certainly learn to be more conscientious (and to exhibit the trait of conscientiousness) if sufficiently motivated. So, if you got a low score on some test, and are worried that you aren't Ph.D. material, I wouldn't let that test score stop you.

That being said, most people aren't really sufficiently motivated to make the sustained effort it takes to make long-term changes.  Also, people who begin and complete Ph.D. programs tend not to be low on this trait.  In a Ph.D. program, in which you completing your dissertation (on your own) gets you out the door, you have to be a real self-motivator.  It isn't just a matter of completing some courses on some timeline.

So, if you want it, go for it.  But you'll have to practice being conscientious on a regular basis - especially when you don't want to.

Answer 2

It can be developed.  One simply makes a habit of discharging responsibilities, and once that is done, the sky's the limit.