The Matthew Effect Re-evaluation

Merton discovered the Matthew effect, in the scientific research; he soon attracted the widespread concern of the scientific sociologist. Merton concluded:"Matthew effect" for any individual, group or region, once in one dimension (such as money, reputation, and status) success and progress can produce a kind of accumulation of advantage, will have more chances to achieve greater success and progress. Matthew effect substantially in many fields, such as sociology, psychology, pedagogy has been widespread concern. This paper is to analyze the Matthew effect in scientific research.This paper attempts to discuss the following logical sequence:First, discuss the Matthew effect mechanism and its form of expression, to pave the way for subsequent discourse. Matthew effect consists of two interconnected interaction mechanism. From the vertical perspective, Matthew effect is the study of the past achievement and honor through social recognition and research of the allocation of resources and realize the multiplication process. From the lateral view, Matthew effect is" little people’s" scientific research resources transfer to the "big man" process. Matthew effect is manifested in the following aspects:the flow of talent, prestigious universities and strong scientific research institutions are more likely to attract outstanding personnel, were also more likely to produce talents; in scientific research environment, Matthew effect makes the master side were more likely to climb the peak of science; in scientific research achievement exchange, Matthew effect make the fame scientists published papers more easily, and the published journals’ level is higher; in the scientific community of social stratification, Matthew effect makes the scientists in a highly unequal status.Secondly, discusses on the Matthew effect of general evaluation, this paper establish the guide of thought. Many studies suggest that the Matthew effect consistent with the scientific community authority requirements, can stimulate competition, weeding out the weak, can speed up the circulation of information and social recognition, and can reasonably allocate resources. In conclusion, Matthew effect positive effect is greater than the negative effect, generally conducive to scientific development.Again, discuss academic science change to post-academic science and post-academic science’s features, for the further discussion of the establishment of a new context. Many researchers have made such evaluation because they stand in academic science perspective. But the fact is, along with science’s arrival, Matthew effect negative effect is more and more obvious, is bring negative effect to the scientific research more and more outstanding. Standing at the post-academic science’s perspective, it is necessary for us to make a new evaluation of the Matthew effect, revaluation of its value.Finally, this paper combines the post-academic science’s features to make new evaluation of Matthew effect and gives the specific coping strategies.