Kuhn (1970) suggests that scientists' interest in refinement of speculative models occurs only when they believe present theory cannot explain persistent observational
anomalies. A survey of American astronomers reveals that this relationship exists only
for academicians, theorists, specialists in theoretically oriented research areas, and
those whose work is both theoretical and observational. Full-time researchers and observational astronomers are interested in speculative models, but their interest does
not follow Kuhn's expectations. A social differentiation model derived from the sociological study of the professions permits identification of specific categories of scientists
who do or do not think as Kuhn expects them to and suggests that scientists' attitudes
are understandable in view of their particular professional concerns.
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