Exploring Nobel Laureates' Question Selection Characteristics from a Topical Perspective

Selecting a research question is the starting point of scientists' research activities, playing a crucial role not only in their career development, and further exploration is needed in this area. In this paper, we construct a characteristic index system for scientists' question selection based on the quality of attention theory in psychology, then conduct an empirical analysis using Nobel Laureates in natural sciences as examples, to reveal the characteristics of their question selection. Results show that Nobel laureates exhibit both commonalities and disciplinary differences in their question selection. Common characteristics include: a concentration of research topics in a limited number of directions, strong persistence in their research focus, and a balanced allocation of research effort between Broad and focus. Disciplinary differences are also evident. Physics laureates tend to engage in sustained and steady research across multiple interrelated fields. Chemistry laureates show a relatively higher degree of cross-disciplinary and cross-domain question selection; while they may moderately shift research directions over the course of their careers, these shifts typically revolve around one or a few core themes. In contrast, laureates in Physiology or Medicine display more exploratory question selection behaviors, frequently switching among one or several related core areas, with comparatively lower research persistence. Across different stages of their careers, the three groups of laureates demonstrate distinct question selection patterns. Physics laureates tend to broaden the scope of their research while simultaneously deepening their focus. Chemistry and Physiology or Medicine laureates follow a similar trajectory characterized by early-stage broad exploration, mid-career flexibility, and late-career deep focus. These findings highlight the varying research patterns across disciplines and offer valuable insights into how Nobel laureates select and shift their research questions.