Determinants of research productivity

Earlier researchers like Turkeli, suggested that the factors which determin e the productivity of scientists are admittedly complex and perhaps not ame nable to real scientific analysis'. The present investigation was designed with the sole purpose of confronting such a complex problem. Nearly 200 var iables influencing research productivity were collected through relevant li terature, analysis of biographies of great scientists, and discussion with eminent scientists. Finally, through a critical examination, 80 variables w ere selected for the use of Q-sort technique. The sample for the study cons isted of a cross section of scientists ranging from Fellows of Indian Natio nal Science Academy to young agricultural scientists. Mailed questionnaires and personal interview methods were used for collecting data. Out of a tot al of 912 respondents, reply was obtained from 325. On the basis of Q-sorte d data, 26 variables were selected for further analysis and they were subje cted to principal component factor analysis. The results indicated eleven f actors affecting research productivity of scientists. They were: persistenc e, resource adequacy, access to literature, initiative, intelligence, creat ivity, learning capability, stimulative leadership, concern for advancement , external orientation, and professional commitment.