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TRANSMITTING SCIENTIFIC AND SCHOLARLY KNOWLEDGE: BOOKS VS. ARTICLES

Abstract

Most social structures have an affinity to determine who is the "best" in particular activities such as sports, mental acumen, or political prowess. We call this the "being number one (BNO)" syndrome. Similarly, the same type of delight and interest exists for knowing the first to accomplish some task or hold a position. For example: becoming the first Black general in the U.S. Space Force. The goal of this presentation is to examine some of the important attributes that allow one to be classified as BNO or "the first." Our work investigates two categories of individuals: (i) scientists who have made distinguished research contributions, and (ii) "persons of color" who received distinction because of their educational attainment. Our major conclusion is that the prior concepts of BNO / "the first" are ill-defined and related more to psychological needs than being measures of achievement and distinction. Further, since the requirements for selecting membership in BNO / "the first" are not precisely defined, these concepts have no utility for determining merit, distinction, and ranking of ability.

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