What Makes Them Tick: Lessons on High Productivity from Leading Twenty‐First Century Academic Stars

Abstract

While there have been many studies that have identified academic stars in criminology and criminal justice, very few attempts have been made to examine these individuals and the characteristics shaping their success. In this exploratory study, the author employed phone interviews with eight of the most productive researchers in the discipline to ascertain their approach to scholarship and academic work. While responses varied, patterns correlated with high scholarly output were identified. This study thus extends the literature related to scholarly productivity and provides mentorship advice for junior colleagues.

Notes

1. Later in an interview, Beaver also identified John Paul Wright at the University of Cincinnati as having a “profound impact in shaping me into the young scholar that I am today.”

2. Due to an oversight, Kevin Beaver was not asked this question.

3. In addition to working in the morning, J. Mitchell Miller also claimed to do most of his writing “very late at night.”

4. Neither Denise Gottfredson nor Karen Parker was asked this question.