researchers' personalities

[Fred Clegg <fwc@Scalable.COM>]

> 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