Network analysis of researchers: A study of objects in research practices

Abstract

This chapter explores the association between materiality and scientific collaboration by combining analysis of practices with descriptive statistical analysis and social networks and examines the relationship between objects and scientists. The objective of the chapter is to identify how digital and analogical tools have modified the research activities. The data are composed by ethnographic observations of how scientists are involved in research activities, sharing data and information with colleagues, and how they use tools in interaction. The chapter develops a qualitative technique approach of ethnographic information, such as field notes and interviews. The research networks have a strong relationship between scientists and tools used to compose a socio-material network. This shows how several types of scientists situate the materiality in their activities.