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Synchronised Diving: Mixing Methods to Explore Ocean Science

Sat, September 7, 1:00 to 2:30pm, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Floor: Four, Oakley

Abstract

Healthy oceans are key to socio-ecological sustainability. Ocean Science, a field with diverse epistemic foci, is under pluralising demands from funding bodies and policy makers. We lack an in depth understanding of the relationship between (e)valuations and the epistemic characteristics of knowledge practices (Wouters, 2014). This paper explores how combining STS and scientometrics can help addressing this gap, focusing on Ocean Science. Mixing methods can help study Ocean Science’s distributed, heterogeneous epistemic landscape (cf. Bourret, et. al., 2006). Even though scientometrics and STS “share a common origin”, there are relatively few studies that combine them (Wyatt et al., 2017). To co-produce knowledge with research participants, using digital traces in interviews that pertain to their activities (Anderson et al., 2009), and at the nexus of STS and scientometrics, I propose using computational analyses as part of the ethnographic engagement (cf. Glaser & Laudel, 2015), and to develop computational methods with STS concepts in mind (Cambrosio et al., 2014). The temporal alignment of methods also needs conceptual scaffolds. I propose a heuristic framework that explores the institutional, material, agentive and epistemological relationalities of data and knowledge practices, and help combine scientometrics and STS to explore contemporary Ocean Science, by asking:

- What relationalities can computational methods capture, and how do these relate to STS’ sensibilities?
- What kind of ethnographic encounters can the inclusion of computational analyses bring forth?
- How can these be applied to help explore Ocean Scientific knowledge practices, distributed in space, time and across material and institutional infrastructures?

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