BASIC RESEARCH AND THE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE 



Here are some further more specific answers to the ques- 

 tion as to the special advantages for research in small, liberal 

 arts colleges. 



i. The easy, informal relationships between the teacher and the 

 potential scholar, which make it easier for the students to discover how 

 facts are obtained, how they are used, and how an interpretation of 

 them can lead not only to an understanding of many observed phenom- 

 ena but also prepares the way for tackling new situations. 



2. One very productive scholar replied that given capable staff, 

 equipment, and support, "A small college has a tremendous advantage 

 arising from its informalitv, its intimate relations between students and 

 facultv, its relatively quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and the fact that 

 its students are at a more impressionable age than in the graduate 

 schools." 



3. Most commented upon size in itself being a real advantage 

 because of the stimulation it provided for interdisciplinary relationships. 

 Departmental boundaries are apt to be less rigid, and in most institu- 

 tions the sciences and mathematics are held together in a single division 

 with a chairman. This means that papers presented are challenged bv 

 people from a varietv of different fields. Such challenges and such inter- 

 disciplinary' stimulation encourage research in overlapping areas. 



4. Several replies called attention to the fact that a little isolation 

 is a good thing and mav be conducive to development of original 

 ideas. "Working by oneself permits individuality," said one biologist. 



5. At least one gifted teacher and scholar believes that in the best 

 liberal arts college there is a larger possibility of recognizing and encour- 

 aging excellence. More opportunity to set a few individual students on 

 fire at the time when the ignition of such a blaze makes all the differ- 

 ence in the world. 



Let me now give you some of the many responses to my 

 inquiry about the limiting factors in the development of cre- 

 ative scholarship in the liberal arts colleges. 



1. Lack of encouragement on the part of college administration 

 seems to be not uncommon. In some cases productive scholarship is 

 not just frowned upon; it is actually not permitted. 



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