In the Backrooms of Science: The Work of Technicians in Science Labs.

Barley, Stephen R.; Bechky, Beth A.

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Peer reviewed

ERIC Number: EJ475341

Record Type: Journal

Publication Date: 1994

Pages: N/A

Abstractor: N/A

ISBN: N/A

ISSN: ISSN-0730-8884

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In the Backrooms of Science: The Work of Technicians in Science Labs.

Barley, Stephen R.; Bechky, Beth A.

Work and Occupations: An International Sociological Journal, v21 n1 p85-126 Feb 1994

Ethnographic study of science lab technicians' troubleshooting suggests that they possess most of a lab's contextual knowledge and skill and play a critical role in the production of scientific knowledge. However, because contextual knowledge is less valued than formal knowledge, technicians experience status inconsistencies. (SK)

Descriptors: Employment Level, Ethnography, Paraprofessional Personnel, Problem Solving, Science Laboratories, Scientific and Technical Information, Social Status, Troubleshooting

Publication Type: Reports - Research; Journal Articles

Education Level: N/A

Audience: N/A

Language: English

Sponsor: N/A

Authoring Institution: N/A

Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

Author Affiliations: N/A