Interesting People mailing list archives

researchers' personalities


From: Fred Clegg <fwc () Scalable COM>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 11:12:33 -0800

In the January 17 issue of Newsweek this article entitled "Nice
Scientists Finish Last" by Robbin Sparkman appeared.  The title
summarized psychologist Gregory Feist's Ph.D. dissertation conclusion.
Feist evaluated 99 full professors of science at California research
universities.  His study consisted of devising a working definition of
success and identifying common personality traits of his subject by
using research assistants to evaluate audiotaped interviews and rate
the tapes for hostility, loquaciousness and serenity.  While the
eminent professors published more and their work cited more than less
renowned colleagues, they were more unfriendly, exploitative of others
and arrogant. Feist hopes that research into the psychology of
scientists may help educators pinpoint basic personality traits that
can be nurtured in aspiring researchers.  It is unfortunate that
antisocial behavior and sour personalities are put together with
successful scientist.

Dave, I would consider you pretty eminent.  (I enjoyed listening tu
your comments re telecommuting on NPR last week, by the way.)  I
would never associate antisocial behavior and sour personality with
you, however!


Best regards,


Fred


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