Perhaps the most important psychological skill associated with learning science is critical thinking. When learning about new scientific subjects, it is essential that students continually question underlying assumptions. Science constantly changes, and scientific theories have been uprooted time and time again. By exercising your critical thinking skills, you will learn to spot methodological errors and inconsistencies within theories.
Sometimes, as we learn about the natural world around us, it is easy to become attached to certain scientific theories. This makes it difficult to remain open to changes in scientific knowledge. Learning how to keep your mind open to new evidence will make it much easier to accept a new theory, should one come along to replace one of your favorites. Essential to honing this skill is to remember that science is about the search for truth. Once you accept that truth is the supreme value of science, it will be easier to accept new evidence as valid.
Nobody likes to be wrong. Yet a willingness to be wrong pervades the scientific community. Any scientist who will not accept when another scientist as refuted one of his claims will not last long in the scientific establishment. As you study to become a scientist, rather than resist challenges to your way of thinking, search for ways of disproving your own theories. Unlike many other facets of life, such as politics, proving yourself wrong in the scientific community actually helps you gain credibility. When honing this skill, remember that a willingness to be wrong now will help you be right in the future.
Scientists are often presented as socially awkward and boring. However, in order to learn science effectively, it is necessary to have well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Good communication depends on recognizing social cues when they are expressed by others. Show real concern for the interests and practices of other students and scientists and you will be well on your way to being a great communicator of scientific ideas.