little science

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English

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Etymology

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By contrast to Big Science.

Noun

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little science (uncountable)

  1. Synonym of small science
    • 1994, A Space Physics Paradox: Why Has Increased Funding Been Accompanied By Decreased Effectiveness In The Conduct Of Space Physics Research?, →ISBN, page 12:
      In many discussions the concepts of big and little science are presented in near mythical terms — terms that cloud the complexity of the issues involved. Little science is usually represented by the lone researcher working in the laboratory on self-chosen problems, generally oblivious to the needs and/or requests of society.
    • 2013, J. Agassi, Science and Culture, →ISBN, page 359:
      Today big science has new, exciting tasks. This should not be at the cost of a loss of little science. There is a need to revive and protect it, in order to insure the continued well-being of science as a whole.
    • 2015, Christine L. Borgman, Big Data, Little Data, No Data: Scholarship in the Networked World, →ISBN:
      Little science is conducted on a smaller scale, with smaller communities, less agreement on research questions and methods, and less infrastructure.