I think you're on to something but I wouldn't call it a personality trait. It's something that can be learned, but it takes a ridiculous amount of time. I've been teaching programming to complete beginners now for a few years and there is always a point in time during their education where this clicks: they go from asking about everything to realizing that there are often no easy answers and start doing their own research and problem solving.
> there is always a point in time during their education where this clicks
Always?
Or are you showing a selection bias?
I call it "hitting your head against a brick wall". The tenacity to keep fighting until you win. Doesn't always work (can end up wasting time) but it is surprisingly effective against seemingly intratible problems. "Grit" is the marketing word. Workarounds is another form.
I'm interested in how it can be taught. I force myself because I admire a certain level of "OCD" behaviours and try to emulate those I admire.
No, unfortunately not always. Some people drop out before they learn it.
I think it's best learnt through encouragement and support. If I have one takeaway for the last 5+ years of teaching, it's that most barriers to learning are emotional, not intellectual.
