Specialization and professionalization
Specialization can be seen as a response to the problem of accumulating scientific knowledge. By breaking down the topic into smaller units, one can continue to process information and use it as the basis for further research. But specialization is only one of a series of related scientific developments that affect the communication process. The other is the increasing specialization of scientific activities.
Specialization can be seen as a response to the problem of expanding scientific knowledge. By refining the theme, individuals can continue to process this expanding information and use it as the basis for in-depth research. However, specialization is only one of a series of related phenomena that affect the communication process in the scientific field. Another phenomenon is the increasing specialization of scientific activities.
In the field of science, there is no obvious difference between professionals and amateurs: there are exceptions to any rule. However, the word "amateur" does mean that the relevant personnel are not fully integrated into the scientific community, especially may not fully agree with the values of the scientific community. /kloc-the development of specialization in the 0/9th century, and the subsequent requirements for longer and more complicated training, mean that amateurs participate in the bigger problems of science. This trend is naturally most obvious in those scientific fields based on mathematics or laboratory training, and can be illustrated by the development of British geology.
In the field of science, there is no absolute difference between professional and amateur: there are exceptions to any law. But the word "amateur" does have a special meaning, that is, the person referred to is not fully integrated into a certain group of scientists. Specifically, he may not fully agree with the values of this group. /kloc-the development of specialization in the 0/9th century and the consequent requirements for long-term complex training make it more difficult for amateurs to enter the scientific community. Especially in the field of science based on mathematics and laboratory training, this tendency is naturally obvious, which can be confirmed by the development of British geology.
The comparison of British geological publications in the past century and a half shows that not only the importance of research is increasing, but also the definition of acceptable research papers is changing. Therefore, in the19th century, local geological research represents valuable research itself; However, in the twentieth century, only when local studies combined with and reflected a broader geological landscape, they were more and more accepted by professionals. On the other hand, amateurs continue to do local research in the old way. The overall result is that professional geological journals are more difficult for amateurs to enter, which is strengthened by the widely introduced reviews, first of all, the national journals in19th century, and then several local geological journals in 20th century. As an inevitable result of this development, independent journals now seem to be mainly for professional or amateur readers. A fairly similar differentiation process has led professional geologists to come together in one or two specific societies, while amateur geologists tend to stay in local societies or come together in different ways.
Compared with British geological publications in the past century and a half, we not only find that people pay more attention to research, but also the definition of acceptable papers is changing. Therefore, in the19th century, local geological research itself can form valuable research; In the 20th century, if local research can be accepted by professionals, it will be more and more inclined to reflect or think about a broader geological landscape. On the other hand, amateurs continue to engage in local research in the old way. The overall result is that it is more difficult for amateurs to enter professional geological journals, and the comprehensive introduction of peer review system has strengthened this result. This system was first implemented in national journals in the19th century, and also in some local geological journals in the 20th century. The inevitable result of this development is the emergence of different magazines for professional readers and amateur readers. A similar differentiation process has also led to professional geologists gathering to form one or two national groups, while amateur geologists either stay in local groups or form national groups in different ways.
Although the process of specialization and specialization has been well carried out in British geology in the19th century, all its consequences have been postponed to the 20th century. However, in general science, the19th century must be considered as a critical period of this change in the scientific structure.
Although the process of professionalization and specialization developed rapidly in the British geological field in the19th century, its effect was not fully demonstrated until the 20th century. But from the perspective of science as a whole, the19th century must be regarded as a critical period for the change of scientific structure.