Popular culture significantly influences our beliefs and perspectives, perhaps contributing to the notion that there is no room for emotions in academia. Consider the portrayal of characters like Mr. Spock from Star Trek, who serves as the Science Officer aboard the USS Enterprise. He embodies the traits of logic, rationality, and the deliberate suppression of emotions. This depiction is consistent with the prevalent image of many brilliant scientists and academicians — individuals deeply devoted to their work and seemingly devoid of human emotional complexities.
The landscape of human emotions is intricate, defying predictable patterns and logical frameworks. In stark contrast, the foundation of science and research rests upon the bedrock of logic and empirical data. Emotions and empirical facts, like oil and water, resist harmonious fusion. However, this viewpoint warrants re-evaluation.
The constructs of science, logic, and research are all human creations. They stand as the driving forces behind the discoveries and innovations that have shaped human existence across centuries. Yet, humans are not devoid of emotions; they are the core facet of our essence. While emotions might not seamlessly meld with empirical facts, they are the impetus that propels humanity forward and drives our actions.
In her thought-provoking TED Talk of 2017, Ilona Stengal, a Material Researcher passionate about organic chemistry, discusses her research on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) screens used in mobile phone displays and TV screens. She loved her work, but the company she was working for decided to discontinue OLED research. The announcement casts uncertainty over Ms. Stengal’s and her colleagues’ collective future. While some opted to leave, a few — Ms. Stengal included — chose to continue and finish their research until the division was formally closed. United by a collective sense of purpose and uncertainty, the team’s devotion to their project became a binding force, infusing fresh vigor into their efforts. The results were almost miraculous. Even as the division’s closure became imminent, their steadfast commitment to their research led to new patents for the company, which it sold for real value.
Ms. Stengal’s narrative underscores the power of emotions in academia and science, such as the sentiment of dedicated pursuit and unwavering personal commitment. The interplay of emotion and reason catalyzed not only scientific breakthroughs but also personal growth and enriched collaboration among the team.
Since emotion is a human trait, it is always present in science and research. It never undermines logic and facts. On the contrary, it only makes the study more robust. As the above example shows, for healthy teamwork and collaboration to happen and to build supportive research communities, we need to think openly and honestly about the role of emotions in academia. There is a need to challenge the prevalent belief that feelings can undermine research. The scientific perspective that emotions, rationality, and professionalism can co-exist and thrive needs to be encouraged.1
In team settings, emotions can collectively drive better research. However, this scientific perspective also holds when researchers work independently. Research shows that the emotional state of individual researchers significantly affects their efficiency in sourcing articles from online databases and libraries.2 This, in turn, influences research outcomes and conclusions. The emotional well-being of researchers can significantly impact the trajectory of breakthroughs and discoveries in their research endeavors.
Yet, it is undeniable that human emotions in academia can also steer scientists and researchers away from their intended paths. These emotions can disrupt rational thought and interfere with the research process and its outcomes. However, this reality magnifies the importance of dissecting the role of human emotions in research. Progress and discoveries hinge on the presence of complex feelings. Therefore, we need to understand that emotions are real – we probably need to deal with them better for positive outcomes.3
Returning to popular culture and Star Trek, the contrasting personas of Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk come to the fore. While Mr. Spock embodies logic and objectivity, Captain Kirk represents emotions – charm, diplomacy, and a keen sense of humor. Their unlikely yet dynamic partnership propels them ‘to boldly go where no one has gone before.’
If you want to learn more about the scientific perspective of human emotions, watch Ms Ilona Stengel’s TED Talk, ‘The Role of Human Emotions in Science and Research,’ or read the article titled ‘The Feeling of Finding Out: The Role of Emotions in Research.’
References:
- Loughran, T. What role does emotion play for researchers? University of Essex, Nov 2018. Available online at https://www.essex.ac.uk/news/2018/11/06/what-role-does-emotion-play-for-researchers
- Eldakar, M.A.M., Kenawy, Y.M. Researchers emotions after information retrieval from databases available through the Egyptian Knowledge Bank: Impacts of perceived self-efficacy, The Journal of Academic Librarianship, May 2020. Available online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0099133320300768
- Burnett, D. Emotions: an essential part of science . The British Psychology Society, Jan 2023. Available online at https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/emotions-essential-part-science
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