<研究論文(原著論文)>Checking and Making Public a Result in Collaborative Science: The Case of the Neutrino Velocity Measurement

This paper analyzes the case of neutrino velocity measurement by the OPERA experiment, in which the result that the speed of neutrino is faster than light was presented and later corrected. Based on fieldwork, this study aims to elucidate the actual situation of collaborative knowledge production and draw lessons for scientific practice. The issues of confirmatory work and making public a result are addressed. It is pointed out that in some cases strict internal checks such as independent measurements are necessary beyond trust and indirect assessment, even in high-energy physics where epistemic dependence is inevitable. Regarding the condition for strict checks, the extraordinariness of the result and comprehensive understanding of technologies matter. As for making public a result, this study presents a model of decision-making for publication which shows that the issues of checking and publication intersect. In particular, the impact of the result and the manner of the presentation are important factors to consider. In addition, the timing of publication can be influenced by such factors as priority and accountability. Institutional aspects must be paid considerable attention for proper analysis of scientific knowledge as well as for its sound development.