from a mailing I received.

[David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

[perhaps one can blame this on the initiation ceremony called tenure where
the budding academic scientist is taught that publishing by themselves (not
with the students who did the work) is the path to success. Perhaps if we
make this part of their career more humane they would end up with a better
attitude .. djf]




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.