Social Control and Multiple Discovery in Science: The Opiate Receptor Case (Suny Series in Science, Technology, and Society)

By Susan E. Cozzens

Book Overview

Susan E. Cozzens is Assistant Professor in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0887069363
• ISBN13: 9780887069369
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Unique study of identity and control in the real world

Why is it that so often there are multiple discoveries in science? In this book Cozzens looks at the 4 groups that "simultaniously" discovered the opiate receptor and shows that what happens is a complex social process. The process includes the ultimate identity of the discovery itself and the pressure from other scientists, publications, and values. Using citation indices, interviews, publications she dissects a case where the historical record is still fresh. She makes new observations about "the time being right" as the reason or reinterpretation being the reason. This book is sociology at its best.