The main objective of this study is to set up a model which describes and explains productivity of scientists in the area of basic science. After reviewing the previous studies and relevant literatures, the model and hypotheses are derived. The model focuses on the potential research competence, motivation for research, affiliated institutions, and research environment.
Data were collected through interviews and questionaire answered by 132 scientists. The data were analyzed by using Spearman Correlation, One-way ANOVA, and Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis.
The important results of this study are as follows:
1. Quality of department of doctoral training, motivation for research, affiliated institutions, and research environment are all important influencing factors on scientist productivity.
2. Among the subvariables of research environment, research funds and research assistants are highly correlated with scientist productivity.
3. There exists considerable distinction between correlates of scientist productivity measured by publication counts on the international journal and those on the domestic journal.
4. Graphed curve of mean productivity by age shows productivity peaking in the late thirties, decreasing during the forties and early fifties, increasing again in the late fifties, and finally decreasing once again.
