Are programmers paranoid?

ABSTRACT

“The average programmer is excessively independent—sometimes to the point of mild paranoia. He is often egocentric, slightly neurotic, and he borders upon a limited schizophrenia.” This was how one authority(1) described the programmer. But is this a correct and fair description? If it is, then the empirical research using psychological tests should provide the evidence. The data processors in my study were in the middle third on the computational, scientific, musical, clerical and mechanical scales. Considering the findings of my study along with the Triggs data, it appears that data processors do not have the interests which seem to be related to paranoia, schizophrenia or psychological deviation. These studies gave strong support to the view that data processors had different needs and interests from those of other professionals. The extent of the differences in needs is shown in the study described below.

REFERENCES

• 1: Dick H. Brandon, The problem in perspective, Proceedings of the 1968 23rd ACM national conference, p.332-334, August 27-29, 1968 [doi>10.1145/800186.810594]
• 2: Guarino, Sr., Roger C., Managing Data Processing Professionals, Personnel Journal Vol. 48 #12, Dec. 1969, pp. 972-975
• 3: Perry, Dallis K. & William M. Cannon, Vocational Interests of Computer Programmers, Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 51 #1, 1967 pp. 28-34
• 4: Triggs, F.O., A Study of the Relationship of Measured Interests to Measured Mechanical Aptitudes, Personality and Vocabulary, American Psychologist, 1947, Vol. #2 p. 296.
• 5: Willoughby, Theodore C., Needs, Interests, Reinforcer Patterns and Satisfaction of Data Processing Personnel. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, University of Minnesota 1971
• 6: Borgen, Fred H., David J. Weiss, Howard E. A. Tinsley, Rene V. Dawis, Lloyd H. Lofquist. Occupational Reinforcer Patterns. Minnesota Studies in Vocational Rehabilitation: XXIV, Industrial Relations Center, University of Minnesota. 263 pp.
• 7: Locken, Lisa, Generation Gap, Bemistory Jan.Feb. 1969 pp. 11-26
• 8: Graves, Clare W., Deterioration of Work Standards Harvard Business Review Vol. #5 Sept.-Oct. 1966 pp. 117-128

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.1 Occupations

Additional Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.4 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
      Subjects: Psychology

General Terms:
Theory