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http://dx.doi.org/10.14697/jkase.2013.33.7.1403

Scientists' Perceptions of Imagination and Characteristics of the Scientific Imagination  

Mun, Jiyeong (Ewha Womans University)
Mun, Kongju (Michigan State University)
Kim, Sung-Won (Ewha Womans University)
Publication Information
Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education / v.33, no.7, 2013 , pp. 1403-1417 More about this Journal
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.
Keywords
imagination; scientist; scientific imagination; scientists' perceptions; in-depth interview;
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