Curtin University Homepage
  • Library
  • Help
    • Admin

    espace - Curtin’s institutional repository

    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
    View Item 
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item

    Scientists Reflect on Why They Chose to Study Science

    199073_199073.pdf (679.0Kb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Venville, G.
    Rennie, Leonie
    Hanbury, C.
    Longnecker, N.
    Date
    2013
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Venville, G. and Rennie, L. and Hanbury, C. and Longnecker, N. 2013. Scientists Reflect on Why They Chose to Study Science. Research in Science Education. 43 (6): pp. 2207-2233.
    Source Title
    Research in Science Education
    DOI
    10.1007/s11165-013-9352-3
    ISSN
    0157244X
    Remarks

    The final publication is available at Springer via http://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-013-9352-3

    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/36018
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    A concern commonly raised in literature and in media relates to the declining proportions of students who enter and remain in the ‘science pipeline’, and whether many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have enough budding scientists to fill research and industry positions in the coming years. In addition, there is concern that insufficient numbers of students continue in science to ensure an informed, scientifically literate citizenry. The aim of the research presented in this paper was to survey current Australian and New Zealand scientists to explore their reasons for choosing to study science. An online survey was conducted via a link to SurveyGizmo. The data presented are from 726 respondents who answered 22 forced-choice items and an open-ended question about the reasons they chose to study science. The quantitative data were analysed using t tests and analyses of variance followed by Duncan’s multiple range tests, and the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The quantitative data showed that the main reasons scientists reported choosing to study science were because they were interested in science and because they were good at science. Secondary school science classes and one particular science teacher also were found to be important factors. Of much less importance were the prestige of science and financial considerations. The qualitative data expanded on these findings and showed that passion for science and/or curiosity about the world were important factors and also highlighted the importance of recreational pursuits, such as camping when a child. In the words of one respondent, ‘People don’t go into science for the money and glory. It’s passion for knowledge and science that always attracted me to the field’.

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • The influences of a program of enrichment and extracurricular activities on the affect of secondary science students.
      Eastwell, Peter H. (1998)
      A quasi-longitudinal case study was used to determine the effects on secondary students of participation in a program of enrichment and extracurricular science activities in terms of their interest and enjoyment in being ...
    • Evaluation of a model for teaching analogies in secondary science.
      Harrison, Allan G. (1992)
      Analogies have long been tools of discovery in mathematics and science, and are often used in the classroom as explanatory devices to help students understand difficult science concepts. However, research has shown that ...
    • Are Students Prepared to Communicate? A Case Study of an Australian Degree Course in Biotechnology
      Edmonston, J.; Dawson, Vaille; Schibeci, R. (2010)
      Public concerns about biotechnology have resulted in greater attention being paid to the mechanisms by which biotechnology is communicated with non-scientists, including the provision of science communication training. ...
    Advanced search

    Browse

    Communities & CollectionsIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument TypeThis CollectionIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument Type

    My Account

    Admin

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    Follow Curtin

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    CRICOS Provider Code: 00301JABN: 99 143 842 569TEQSA: PRV12158

    Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy statement | Accessibility

    Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.