Study of influencing factors identified as pertinent in career selection by a random sample of 231 physical and biological scientists

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: Influencing factors indicated as pertinent in career selection by 231 physical and biological scientists were analyzed and compared. The school age at which the influencing factors became prevalent was identified and related to those aspects of the environment which were indicated by scientists as being influential. Intrinsic factors were analyzed as were the human qualities possessed by teachers who were able to influence the selection of careers. Parental and family influence was noted and those influential factors arising from the home were studied.

Findings and Conclusions: A comparison of influencing factors indicated by physical and biological scientists concerning the school age, level of the teacher, and level of the course showed that physical scientists were primarily influenced during high school years, while biological scientists were influenced during college years. The human qualities of the teacher as a person were indicated as responsible for his ability to influence career selection by students. The home environment and family influence was indicated as an early influence in career selection. The intrinsic factors aroused within the individual scientist by complex causal mechanisms were found to be very important in the choice of a career.