Japan - Parents, teachers seen key to kids' intellectual ability

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 03 Feb 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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JAPAN - Intellectual curiosity developed by children through contact with their parents and teachers plays a key role in helping them develop into first-rate scientists, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy.

A group of researchers at the institute, which is affiliated with the Education, Science and Technology Ministry, conducted the survey last year to explore ways of fostering world-beating scientists.

Questionnaires were sent to 242 Japanese researchers, including the winners of international science prizes including the Nobel Prize and the Lasker Award. Those surveyed also included scientists who had published academic papers that attracted global attention.

The institute received responses from 108 researchers aged in their 30s through 80s.

Asked their reasons for becoming a scientist, 53 of the respondents said they developed curiosity after being intellectually stimulated by their parents, relatives or teachers.

Forty-three people answered they had gained a thirst for knowledge through observations of nature or reading.

Only a few respondents said they had been forced to study by other people.

However, the survey also found that some restraints should be placed on children's behavior. Some respondents expressed harsh views, saying children should not be allowed to watch nonsensical television programs with their families.

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