To become scientists, students need to have a different kind personality. Most of the time, students that are extroverts cannot pass the classes that are required for their science major. This happens to many students in their first year of college. They get into a science major and then, they get frustrated with their grades and end up changing their major. For example, when you enter to a freshman biology course in a university you could see more than 200 students, but if you enter to a senior biology class you would provably see about 30 students.
The question is how students know that they have the drive and personality to become a scientist? Well, the answer is not that simple, but there are some personality traits that scientist have that distinguish them from other people. First, it is important to mention that to become a scientist the student doesn't need to be a “nerd.” Some people think that scientists are always nerds, which is not true. Here I will make a list of scientific personality traits that most of scientists have:
They never procrastinate- Science is a very difficult field to study if students leave everything for the last minute, they won’t make it.
Punctuality- It is important to be in class or any meeting on time.
Prefer science than parties- Students should know when to party and when to study. If there is an exam, they cannot party.
Take care of body and mind- To go through science is necessary to have the body and mind ready. Physical activity relieves the tension and stress from the mind.
A balance between introvert and extrovert- When students have to study, they cannot go out to have fun. They should be in their rooms studying until they learn the material. However, if there are not exams or assignments to do, they can go out and have fun.
There are many more personality traits that scientists have, but to become a scientist those are the most important. A scientific life is not a boring or stressful life. It is just a balance between responsibility, work, fitness and fun.
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What's interesting about this kind-of obvious breakdown of what most scientists have is that it could be applied to almost anything one desires to succeed in. However, this is where technology comes in, Hollywood has been portraying scientists as nerds for decades. But in defense of Hollywood, stereotypes do not come out of thin air; the sciences are serious subjects are require more focus than let's say, Communication, at the undergraduate level.
ReplyDeleteThis post does a really good job analyzing the basic characteristics of any solid scientist, or scientist-to-be. I especially agree with the balance of the body and mind and the punctuality concept. All scientists must be punctual because research never stops. Science does not wait for the slackers and those with excuses. With new laboratory equipment and technology coming out every day, research is only moving faster and faster. If a scientist doesn't do something fast enough, most likely another more dedicated scientist will beat the other to the gun. Also, although scientists are often considered nerdy, I was glad to see that you mentioned physical activities as an important part of any scientist's life. Although they are stereotypically scrawny and weak, a good scientist will often be quite physically fit because they work out more than their brain cells; physical activity, as you said, is a great way to relieve stress after a long day in the lab. When it comes to personality, I think any type of personality can make a good scientist; no matter how extroverted or introverted, as long as a scientist is dedicated and passionate about the work, they can be well-functioning researchers. Furthermore, even when there is no assigned work, a scientist-to-be should often research articles of interest and stay up to date with the science world. A social life is a must, but extra time should be spent doing research beyond the confines of the lab. Finally, I really hope the procrastination part isn't too truthful, because, as a hopeful veterinarian, I procrastinate all the time. I really hope it wears off at some point, but right now I'm a culprit of procrastination. Thanks for the interesting blog! I'll definitely keep reading!
ReplyDeleteI do not think that you can specifically categorize a successful science student, or any student at all. I believe that it all depends on the individual and their drive and abilities to comprehend material. You do not have to be a "nerd" that does everything "by the books" all the time in order to be successful. My father always reminds me when I go home that you do not need to be serious and working all the time. You have to mix in some fun to keep a balance in your life. Honestly I have to say that times when I get too absorbed in only school and I defer away from a social life I get overwhelmed and do not find as much success as when I am balancing between my fun and school. For some people the above personality is necessary but for other they just need to find a balance.
ReplyDeleteGreat post (and obviously thought provoking)! A couple of comments. I'd like more supporting evidence for the claim that a field is dominated by a "typical personality." After all, there are plenty of exceptions, including Einstein who some now believe suffered from Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. On the other hand, if this metric for a scientific personality were true, universities could save people a whole lot of time if they distributed a questionaire before freshman arrive and discourage those with the wrong personality! What do you think?
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