Explaining field differences in openness and sharing in scientific communities

摘要: This paper explores field differences in openness and sharing of scientific knowledge based on a comparative ethnographic study research groups two specialties. Tensions between cooperation the one hand competition for priority secrecy other are common science. However, fields differ how these tensions play out, influencing what information is exchanged when among field. develops an explanatory framework that identifies assumptions made generic model collective production process sciences specifies epistemic material characteristics affect to extent those hold specific field, explaining behaviors. I suggest field-inherent sources behaviors need be accounted policies design communication systems aim support advance