Definition
The Fourth Paradigm is a concept that focuses on how science can be advanced by sharing data. The Fourth Paradigm is based on the idea that computational science constitutes a new set of methods beyond empiricism, theory, and simulation. The Fourth Paradigm is concerned with data discovery in the sense that researchers and scientists require tools, technologies, and platforms that seamlessly integrate into standard scientific methodologies and processes. The fourth paradigm allows for the integration of these tools and technologies for research. Finally, the framework is designed to provide new opportunities for researchers and scientists to share their data to encourage new scientific discovery.
Further Resources
Borgman CL. (2010). Research Data: Who will share what, with whom, when, and why?(link is external) China-North American Library Conference, Beijing, 21.
Hey A, Tansley S, Tolle K, editors. (2009). The fourth paradigm: data-intensive scientific discovery(link is external). Redmond, WA: Microsoft Research.
Tenopir C, Allard S, Douglass K, Aydinoglu AU, Wu L, Read E, et al. (2011). Data sharing by scientists: practices and perceptions(link is external). PloS one, 6(6):e21101.