Will and wile: The way of the researcher

Discussions of the research process, even when they focus on histories of r esearch projects rather than on formal methods, do not sufficiently emphasi ze the personal qualities, skills, and associations that make for excellenc e in research. In this essay, which is intended for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students, I use examples of well-known researchers to discuss the qualities of passionate commitment, persistence, ingenuity, and self-discipline that are essential to a researcher. I also discuss the significance of files, multiple data sources, and personal associations to success in research.