As part of a longitudinal study into identity development in upper-level physics students, we used a phenomenographic research method to examine students' perceptions of what it means to be a physicist. Analysis revealed six different categories of perception of what it means to be a physicist. We found the following themes: research and its…

Today's doctoral programs continue to prepare students for a traditional academic career path despite the inadequate supply of research-focused faculty positions. We advocate for a broader doctoral curriculum that prepares trainees for a wide range of science-related career paths. In support of this argument, we describe data from our survey of…

In physics, the borderline between pure science and technology is increasingly diffuse. Physics can be seen as technoscience, a merged scientific and technological enterprise. The notion of technoscience has emerged from studies in the philosophy of science and sociology of science, and also seems to arise quite naturally in discussions with…

In a well-cited 1996 editorial in "Science," "The Activist Scientist," Jaleh Daie calls for scientists to take an assertive role in educating politicians and the public about the importance of government support for research. She writes that most scientists are reluctant to become involved in political lobbying for a variety of reasons--time…

This paper discusses the findings of a search for the intellectual tools used by Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) in his chemistry, education, and theology documents. Priestley's enquiring democratic view of knowledge was applicable in all three areas and constitutes a significant part of his lifework. Current epistemological issues in science…

This research study sought to identify prominent features of the nature of science (NOS) embedded in authentic scientific inquiry. Fourteen well-established scientists from different parts of the world, working in experimental or theoretical research, in both traditional fields such as astrophysics and rapidly growing research fields such as…

Discusses a recent American Association for the Advancement of Science symposium that focused on: infringements of scientific freedom in both foreign countries and the U.S., boundaries of scientific freedom, social and professional responsibilities of scientists, and freedom of science teaching. (MLH)

This volume presents 34 autobiographical chapters from past issues of "Annual Reviews." These essays have been written by scientists active in all areas of research. Some examples are the following: "Musings of an Erstwhile Plant Pathologist" by F.C. Bawden, "Some Personal History and Reflections from the Life of a Biochemist" by John T. Edsall,…

Purpose: 1) to trace the origins of large interdisciplinary team scientific research; 2) to examine its multipurpose institutions or laboratories; 3) to estimate the capacity of this scientific style to launch breakthroughs for the progress os science; and, 4) to speculate on the future of team research. (Author/SE)

A Discussion of attempts to understand the great inter-relationships among all areas of knowledge" by Neils Bohr, a physicist, and others. (SE)

Explains why teachers addressing the nature of science should know the work of Michael Polanyi. Outlines Polanyi's intellectual career and examines his ideas on the education of scientists, research, and knowledge. Polanyi presaged Kuhn, Feyerabend, and the constructivists, yet insisted that science produces true knowledge about reality. (Contains…

Describes in detail the experimental procedures followed by Davison and Germer in 1927 in their discovery of electron diffraction. (SL)

Comments on some of the current circumstances of American science and speculates on ways in which those who call themselves scientists might participate more effectively in resolving the critical problems facing people and civilization. (Author/TS)

A personal experience as a member of a nuclear research team. (SE)