ABSTRACT
The interviews with the five undergraduate students carried out at the beginning of this research project suggested that their interest in computing did not occur in isolation but appeared to be a natural progression from their previous hobbies. All had been interested in electronics and mechanical activities, seemingly from an early age, and much of their interest in computers stemmed not only from their readings of non-fiction but also from science fiction. All five were also interested in various logic games and mental puzzles which could be likened to the investigative, exploratory nature of their computing activities. In addition, none spent much time socializing and many stated that they disliked most sporting activities, especially team sports. All were very interested in music, and as music and mathematics show structural fidelity it was possible to see that the pattern of their previous activities could be related to their current interest in computers. Not only this, but the students stated that they tended to be the types of people who were not eclectic in their hobbies but preferred to concentrate upon just a few activities which they took very seriously and studied assiduously.
