Elliott, Kevin (2012) Epistemic and Methodological Iteration in Scientific Research. [Preprint]

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Abstract

A number of scholars have recently drawn attention to the importance of iteration in scientific research. This paper builds on these previous discussions by drawing a distinction between epistemic and methodological forms of iteration and by clarifying the relationships between them. As defined here, epistemic iteration involves progressive alterations to scientific knowledge claims, whereas methodological iteration refers to an interplay between different modes of research practice. While distinct, these two forms of iteration are related in important ways. Contemporary research on the biological effects of nanomaterials illustrates that methodological iteration can help to “initiate,” “equip,” and “stimulate” epistemic iteration.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Elliott, Kevin ke@sc.edu
Keywords:	iteration, discovery, exploratory experimentation, error, anomaly, nanotechnology
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Technology General Issues > Theory Change
Depositing User:	Kevin Elliott
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2012 12:18
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2012 12:18
Item ID:	9041
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Chemistry General Issues > Experimentation General Issues > Technology General Issues > Theory Change
Date:	6 March 2012
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9041

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