2016 Volume 56 Issue 1 Pages 82-93
This paper explored the group dynamics occurring within a life science laboratory that have adopted the latest in scientific equipment and technology. We analyzed the case of AFM (atomic force microscopy), and the scientist community implementing it, tracing the process leading to a technological plateau, which is a tentative equilibrium of a system involving the mechanical tools and the human organization implementing it. Based on field study and interviews, this paper aimed to clarify the mechanism of the constitution of technological plateau. The results depicted a process reaching the plateau, where the role of AFM shifted from being just a means to becoming an end in itself, and then back to being the means once again. Further, the analysis of the synchronic data, including observation of laboratory practices, demonstrated overlaps and fluctuation in the meaning of the instrument in the stack status. Finally, we discussed technological plateaus in relation to the market character of contemporary life science.
