THE REWARD SYSTEM IN BRITISH SCIENCE.

Studies of American scientists have shown that prestige of institutions and departments affects the productivity of scientists and the recognition scientists receive from the scientific community. Data On 203 British scientists, collected by personal interviews, show that recognition for scientific contributions is distributed independently of social factors in the society. These differences are apparently explained by the selective elements of the educational system and the organization of scientific research and funding. The division of labor within science in experimental and theoretical roles, however, results in more recognition for theorists because of the value of theoretical contributions. Within the three types of theory, phenomenotogists are the most recognized, which fact .suggests that extent of scientific development affects the evaluation of theoretical contributions. Role differentiation should be considered in future research to understand the effects of the various degrees of the division of labor in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]