in aThis study compares Pairs of subjects with Single subjects in a task of discovering scientific laws with the aid of experiments. Subjects solved a molecular genetics task in a computer micro-world (Dunbar, 1993). Pairs were more successful in discovery than Singles and participated more actively in explanatory activities (i.e., entertaining hypotheses and considering alternative ideas and justifications). Explanatory activities were effective for discovery only when the subjects also conducted crucial experiments. Explanatory activities were facilitated when paired subjects made requests of each other for explanation and focused on them. The study extends from individual to collaborative discovery activities the importance to the discovery process of setting goals to find hypotheses and evidence (Dunbar, 1993) and to construct explanations of phenomena and processes encountered in examples (Chi, Bassok, Lewis, & Glaser, 1989).Discovery through collaboration is a common and growing practice in science whose processes have not yet been extensively studied. We do not yet know whether discovery processes are different when people work together, what role discussion plays in collaboration, how researchers entertain hypotheses and conduct experiments when working together or how they handle alternative hypotheses and justifications that arise in discussion.These questions may be approached through historical case studies, field observation, interviews with researchers involved in collaboration, and laboratory experiments. Each approach has its advantages and limitations. This paper follows an experimental approach. We are aware that, although experiments are highly useful for detailed analyses of discovery processes, we need to be cautious in interpreting these data as reflecting actual scientists' collaborative discovery processes. Over the long run, combining various approaches Direct all correspondence to: Herbert A. Simon, Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
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110OKADA AND SIMON is most likely to produce a full and accurate picture of collaborative discovery; but one task at a time. In this paper, we first briefly mention historical case data and interview data from our previous studies; then focus on experimental data. Okada et al. (1995) reviewed three historical cases of collaborative discovery that helped to shape modem science: Jacob and Monod's operon theory in biology; Watson and Crick's double helix in biology; and Simon and Newell's work in artificial intelligence. They identified four features shared by the collaborations. Then, interviewing working cognitive scientists in Japan, they found evidence that each of these features remains essential for successful collaboration: (a) frequent, intense contact between the participants, (b) an egalitarian and exploratory style of discussion, (c) and a shared interest in the research questions, combined with, (d) a diversity in skills and experience .
HISTORICAL AND CURRENT COLLABORATION IN SCIENCEDiscussion style is ...