little science

English

Etymology

By contrast to Big Science.

Noun

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.