On The Shoulders Of Giants by Robert K. Merton

1. What is the main theme of 'On the Shoulders of Giants'?

A) The history of philosophy.
B) The role of technology in science.
C) The individual achievements of scientists.
D) The cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.

2. Who is the author of 'On the Shoulders of Giants'?

A) Thomas Kuhn.
B) Imre Lakatos.
C) Karl Popper.
D) Robert K. Merton.

3. What metaphor does Merton use in his title?

A) Through the lens of giants.
B) In the footprints of giants.
C) On the shoulders of giants.
D) In the shadow of giants.

4. What type of research is highlighted in Merton's work?

A) Quantitative only.
B) Purely experimental.
C) Historical and sociological.
D) Theoretical only.

5. What is the Matthew Effect?

A) The idea that the rich get richer.
B) The idea that everyone is equal.
C) The idea of diminishing returns.
D) The idea of social mobility.

6. In which field did Merton primarily establish his work?

A) Physics.
B) Psychology.
C) Sociology.
D) Economics.

7. What does Merton explain as a disadvantage of the emphasis on individual scientists?

A) It overlooks collaborative contributions.
B) It encourages independence.
C) It fosters innovation.
D) It enhances competition.

8. What does Merton emphasize about scientific progress?

A) It is independent from history.
B) It is determined by technology.
C) It builds on previous knowledge.
D) It is entirely original.

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