Personality factors of productive scientific activity: Nobel laureates’ reflections
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31108/3.2026.10.1.10Abstract
Self-development and self-regulation in productive creative activity require awareness of one’s own personal resources and the ability to use them. It is reasonable to expect that such skills are possessed by recognized scientists. Their experience may be useful for those who are at the beginning of this path.
In literature, a semi-structured interview is considered the most acceptable method for psychological research of a scientific elite. Therefore, this study analyzes the text transcripts of personal interviews with Nobel laureates over the past ten years (2016–2025) available on the Nobel Foundation website.
In the analyzed interviews, Nobel laureates most often mention cognitive and emotional involvement among the personal conditions for successful scientific activity, although in somewhat different formulations and in different contexts. This refers to curiosity, enthusiasm, and similar phenomena.
Nobel laureates recommend, if necessary, make an effort to find something that really interests someone. However, passion for science is usually viewed in various practical contexts, particularly in relation to the courage to explore complex problems. Also, enthusiasm must be balanced with openness to experience.
Intrinsic motivation is considered by Nobel laureates as a personality factor in overcoming various subjective and objective conditions in scientific activity. Personal involvement is considered a condition for the manifestation of creativity, the development of insufficient abilities and competencies, high efficiency and perseverance, and scientific productivity. Interest in research activity reduces the need for willpower, which sharply increases the volume of work performed and satisfaction with it.
When mentioned, all interviewees believe, that it is more productive for a scientist to follow their own curiosity and passion as opposed to focusing on social rewards and recognition.
Keywords: semi-structured interview, Nobel laureates, intrinsic motivation, scientific activity
Accepted: 30.03.2026
Reviewed: 05.05.2026
Published: 20.05.2026
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