Cole J R, Cole S
Science. 1972 Oct 27;178(4059):368-75. doi: 10.1126/science.178.4059.368.
Let us consider, then, some general conclusions that may be drawn from the findings reported in this study. The data allow us to question the view stated by Ortega, Florey, and others that large numbers of average scientists contribute substantially to the advance of science through their research. It seems, rather, that a relatively small number of physicists produce work that becomes the base for future discoveries in physics. We have found that even papers of relatively minor significance have used to a disproportionate degree the work of the eminent scientists. Although the conclusions of this paper may be reasonably clear, the implications of these data for the structure of scientific activity, at least in physics, need careful consideration.
那么，让我们思考一下从本研究报告的结果中可以得出的一些一般性结论。这些数据使我们对奥尔特加、弗洛里等人提出的观点产生质疑，即大量普通科学家通过他们的研究对科学进步做出了重大贡献。相反，似乎只有相对少数的物理学家所做的工作成为了物理学未来发现的基础。我们发现，即使是相对不太重要的论文，也在不成比例的程度上引用了杰出科学家的工作。尽管本文的结论可能相当明确，但这些数据对科学活动结构（至少在物理学领域）的影响需要仔细考量。
