For Writers: Scientist Archetype
1. A real scientist seeks the truth in science. He or she has no hidden agendas.
2. A real scientist is unbiased. She or he mustn’t care if the experiment’s result is Option A or Option B.
3. A real scientist designs his or her experiment so that every variable is tightly controlled and the resulting data is unbiased.
4. A real scientist doesn’t work for a biased manager. The manager mustn’t care if the experiment’s result is Option A or Option B.
5. A real scientist doesn’t work for a biased funding source. The funding source mustn’t care if the experiment’s result is Option A or Option B.
6. A real scientist, when analyzing data, doesn’t discard “outlier” data points on a chart without a proven technical reason.
7. A real scientist, when analyzing data, doesn’t move data points on a chart. She or he never “doctors” data.
Note 1: If a data gatherer fails any of the seven criteria above, she or he is not a scientist.
Note 2: These same seven criteria apply to engineers. They seek the truth in technology.
These qualities are why I love “Bones” so much!
By: Julie Robinson on September 17, 2011
at 1:42 am
Hi Julie, I’ve never watched “Bones”, but I may have to check it out. Cheers, Ashley
By: A. C. Cockerill on September 17, 2011
at 8:31 pm
I couldn’t agree more! Essentially the only thing that matters is finding the Truth.
By: Empire on September 17, 2011
at 2:17 am
Hi Empire, Thank you so much. Cheers, Ashley
By: A. C. Cockerill on September 17, 2011
at 8:36 pm
Especially since the cool, level-headed scientist is a female! It’s an addiction of mine.
By: Julie Robinson on September 17, 2011
at 9:49 pm
Hi again Julie, Now I definitely have to check this out. Cheers, Ashley
By: A. C. Cockerill on September 17, 2011
at 10:51 pm
If I ever write a scientist this is how they will be- thanks!
By: alicamckennajohnson on September 18, 2011
at 4:31 am
You’re very welcome, Alica. Cheers, Ashley
By: A. C. Cockerill on September 19, 2011
at 8:56 pm