Crowdsourced science: sociotechnical epistemology in the e-research paradigm

Recent years have seen a surge in online collaboration between experts and amateurs on scientific research. In this article, we analyse the epistemological implications of these crowdsourced projects, with a focus on Zooniverse, the world’s largest citizen science web portal. We use quantitative methods to evaluate the platform’s success in producing large volumes of observation statements and high impact scientific discoveries relative to more conventional means of data processing. Through empirical evidence, Bayesian reasoning, and conceptual analysis, we show how information and communication technologies enhance the reliability, scalability, and connectivity of crowdsourced e-research, giving online citizen science projects powerful epistemic advantages over more traditional modes of scientific investigation. These results highlight the essential role played by technologically mediated social interaction in contemporary knowledge production. We conclude by calling for an explicitly sociotechnical turn in the philosophy of science that combines insights from statistics and logic to analyse the latest developments in scientific research

Crystal structure of monomeric retroviral protease solved by protein folding game players

Following the failure of a wide range of attempts to solve the crystal structure of M-PMV retroviral protease by molecular replacement, we challenged players of the protein folding game Foldit to produce accurate models of the protein. Remarkably, Foldit players were able to generate models of sufficient quality for successful molecular replacement and subsequent structure determination. The refined structure provides new insights for the design of antiretroviral drugs

DRINKING AND DRIFT: AN EMPIRICAL APPLICATION OF SOFT DETERMINISM

In this paper, we pursue suggestions from previous research and apply the insights of soft determinism to the study of deterrence. We entertain the hypothesis-suggested by soft determinists-that sanctions may deter some individuals but not others. In particular, soft determinists anticipate that sanctions will have little or no deterrent effect on the behavior of individuals who are strongly constrained to either crime or conformity. To the extent that sanctions serve as meaningful deterrents, they should primarily deter individuals who are relatively unconstrained and enjoy more freedom of action and/or choice. In an effort to conduct an initial test of this hypothesis, we analyze data from a national sample of adolescents, and examine the effect of one type of informal sanction-namely, perceived parental disapproval-on the drinking behavior of selected categories of youths. The results of the analyses are generally consistent with the hypothesis, suggesting that future research in this area could be fruitful