Scientists' Perceptions of Imagination and Characteristics of the Scientific Imagination

Abstract

In this study, we investigated scientists' perception of imagination and explored characteristics of scientific imagination. For this, we found out conceptions and characteristics based on literatures which related to imagination. We recruited eight distinguished Korean scientists who have rich research experiences by using Snowball sampling for in-depth interviews (60-90 minutes). All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. From the analysis of interview data, we identified their perceptions of imagination and the nature of scientific imagination which scientists reflect on during their research work. Semi-structured interview protocol was focused on: 1) how scientists perceive 'imagination' and 2) how scientists perceive the role of imagination in their scientific research. As results, we found out that scientists agreed that imagination plays an important role in scientific research process and they perceived imagination as an intrinsic part of human life. The study also indicated that participants have modern viewpoint about imagination. Moreover, we uncovered three characteristics of imagination in the research process. 1) Curiosity and interest have been a driving force for scientists' imagination. 2) When scientists use the imagination, they can be more creative during their research. 3) Imagination contemplated realistic possibilities based on the scientific knowledge, and produced the new ones. Educational implications for utilization of scientific imagination were also suggested.

Characteristics of Science Imaginary Pictures Drawn by Elementary School Students and Their Perceptions of Science Imaginary Drawing

“…상상력은 특정한 느낌이나 장면을 마음속에 그 리거나, 생각하거나, 시각화하는 능력으로서 창의성 과 매우 밀접한 관계에 있다 (Cheon, 2002;Russ, 2003;Singer, 1999). 이에 상상력을 발달시키는 것이 교육 의 주요 목표가 되어야 한다는 주장이 끊임없이 제 기되어 왔으며 (Egan, 1992;Egan & Madoc-Jones, 2005;Kind & Kind, 2007;White, 1993), 과학교육에 서도 상상력의 활용에 대한 중요성이 강조되고 있 다 (Hadzigeorgiou & Stefanich, 2000;Lee et al, 2003;Mun, 2010;Mun et al, 2013a;Yim, 2011). 가령, Yim (2011) (Ahn, 1997;Ha, 2007;Kim, 2007;Park, 2000).…”