Surveys most important intellectual abilities for physics students. Found four factors: visualization; mathematics; logic; and problem solving. Explores the variations between respondent classification (researcher, teacher) and student goal (physicist, scientifically aware layman) on the ratings. (Author/YP)

This report forms an integral part of a study conducted by the Committee on the Education and Utilization of the Engineer, under the auspices of the National Research Council. Five major tasks undertaken by the panel were: (1) defining engineering; (2) determining influences on the engineering community, including external influences and internal…

This article focuses on five quantitative indicators for patents and scientific literature. These indicators characterize Japan as a technological powerhouse and in an expanding but far less powerful scientific position. Several tables and graphs are provided. (YP)

Engineering in higher education has the lowest proportion of women students when compared with other fields of study. This book discusses the issues and problems that face the training and promotion of women at the university level. Part one discusses the background and trends of female participation in different regions and disciplines of higher…

Many claims that the standard Science, Technology, and Society (STS) movement has generally neglected one aspect of scientific and quantitative literacy: the evaluation of expert disagreements on technical matters. Described are the limitations of the standard approach, elements of an alternative approach, and examples of the alternative approach.…

Statistics are provided from an annual survey of members of the American Chemical Society highlighting their economic status. Included are employment, salaries, industry comparisons, and academic comparisons. The lower status of women's salaries in chemistry is noted. (CW)

Discusses the response of journalists and scientists for overcoming the suspicion of scientific research among the general public. Provides some recommendations and lessons from successful national initiatives. (Author/YP)

Examines the patterns of contracts between academic marine scientists and two kinds of federal funding agencies. Discusses the quality of working relationships, quality of academic marine scientific work, and dilemma of conflicting value systems. Finds that the scientists rate science-oriented agencies more favorably than society-oriented ones.…

Discusses the motivation of faculty for effective teaching. Describes five stages in faculty growth and development. Suggests some implications of career phases and motivational studies. Lists 22 references. (YP)

The Panel on Human Factors Research Needs in Nuclear Regulatory Research was formed by the National Research Council in response to a request from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC asked the research council to conduct an 18-month study of human factors research needs for the safe operation of nuclear power plants. This report…

Investigates the choice processes within innovation processes in industrial research laboratories. Develops a conceptual framework for the analysis of the processes through two case studies. Discusses the potential of the framework both for enriching the analysis and for enhancing social influences over industrial research. (Author/YP)

The Federal Government has acknowledged its key role in educating and assuring an adequate supply of scientists and engineers since World War II. Although scientists and engineers represent only three percent of the national work force, they are considered by many to be a crucial element in the nation's efforts to improve its economic…

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)

Addresses conditions and concerns involved in accommodating the interests of both innovators of new technologies and the general public. Discusses the tension that exists in intellectual property law between innovators and competitors. Focuses on cases dealing with computer software and semiconductor chip designs, genetically-engineered life…

Provided are projections for the scientific job market in the 1990s. Predicted are increases in the numbers of engineering positions above the rate of growth for all other occupations. The status and outlook for minority groups are highlighted. (CW)