COMPETITION IN SCIENCE.

Data from probability samples of U.S. formal, physical, and biological scientists show that more than sixty per cent have been anticipated by another scientist in the publication of a discovery at least once in their careers, and about one-third were concerned about being anticipated its their current work. Disciplinary differences in rates of being anticipated and concern about being anticipated are discussed and to some extent explained. Individuals are likely to be anticipated if they publish much and have their publications cited often, and they are likely to be concerned about being anticipated if they are young and if they have been anticipated previously. Being in competitive situations induces scientists to shift specialties and to be secretive about their research, although those working with collaborators arc less secretive. Correlates of competitiveness are presented for both 1,718 individuals and thirty-five scientific specialties as units of analysis. The paper concludes by discussing the functions, dysfunctions, and future of competition in science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]