Biologists, Sociologists and the Language of Scientific Knowledge: A Content Analysis

• In Event: 067 - Section on Science, Knowledge and Technology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 04. Paradigms and People

Abstract

A content analysis of academic articles written by sociologists and by evolutionary biologists. The communication methods of research scientists who employ metaphoric imagery as a communication technique to reduce complexity in knowledge systems is analyzed. Tindings reveal causes of why scholarly literature may fail or succeed to incorporate increasingly complex data into social knowledge systems, and the potential for meaningful interdisciplinary communication between scientific disciplines is discussed.

Author

• Brian Derek Walker, Boston College