Because negative stereotypes have direct implications for social scientists' functioning and inclusion on multidisciplinary teams working in international development, rural sociologists should be aware of these stereotypes, identify their sources and modes of perpetuation, and utilize strategies to dispel unflattering characterizations. Common/current stereotypes which contribute to the widely-held archetype of social scientists as being "lousy team players" are the "know-it-all" and "know nothing,""Lone Ranger,""holier than thou," and "nay-sayer." Sloppy researchers, scatter-brains, and ditherers are stereotypes which surround the credibility of social scientists' work. Strategies to help correct general misapprehensions of the social scientist's role and usefulness include producing and disseminating reports for the public media documenting social scientists' concrete contributions to development projects; participating as a status equal in all phases of project design, start-up, implementation, and evaluation; and establishing frequent, open, in-depth, multi-channeled communication at all levels of project functioning. To confront teamship and credibility issues, it is helpful to explain to teammates the guiding concepts and principles of the discipline and detail how these approaches inform research methodologies and specific project activities. Academic programs must be redefined and expanded for students of rural sociology and anthropology to prepare them for the multi-disciplinary arena. (NEC)