Transcript Hermerén, 2011 - Department of Information Technology

Research
issues
Christiane Grünloh
Maria Svedin
Nino Amvrosiadi
21.01.2013
1
Doing Research
Research entails a systematic search for knowledge
 Different types of research
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Hypothesis-generating / -testing research
Research using qualitative / quantitative methods
Research explaining phenomena by means of
natural law
Research increasing and deepening knowledge
about events processes or texts
Basic research / applied or commissioned
research
Research combined with healthcare
…
Petersson et al. 2006
Hermerén, 2011
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Doing Research
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Before
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(excerpt)
Choose and precisely define research question
Plan the study so that it allows to answer the question
Choose methods with the fewest imaginable harmful
consequences
Choose research subjects nonarbitrary, provide information,
obtain their consent, make sure they have insurance coverage
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During
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Apply the methods correctly and competently, avoid risks
Analyse material systematically and critically
Don’t exclude “unwanted” observations, handle dropouts
accurately. Evaluate the reliability of the results.
Keep record about the progressing work
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Petersson et al. 2006
Hermerén, 2011
3
Doing Research
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After
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(excerpt)
Exhibit clarity, order and structure within the whole
project, the documentation, the report
Publication, retention and archiving of material
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Throughout the whole project
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Observe the ethical criteria and reflect on the project
Comply with basic research ethics principles
Evaluate total quality of research; weigh benefit of
research and the scientific value of its expected
result against its harmful consequences
Take into consideration the determination of research
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Petersson et al. 2006
Hermerén, 2011
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Doing Research
 Challenges:
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Choosing the right method: Generalizability and
Objectivity can stand in opposition to the interest
and “depth” of the scientific claim
Optimize the possibilities to use the positive effects
of research
Minimize the negative ones
Abide to the Uppsala-Code:
Avoid research that can lead to ecological harm
or the development of weapons, or that is in
conflict with basic human rights.
...
Petersson et al. 2006
Hermerén, 2011
5
Who is a good researcher?
 ”Good
researchers seek and speak the
truth.” (ICSU report, 2008)
OR
 Good
researchers successfully conduct
research as it is defined above.
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Once good in something, good in
everything?
A
brilliant mind need not always be
accompanied by a pure heart.
 Our judgement is not objective:
 If good researcher, he/she is also entitled as moral
person in the back of our head
 If not moral person, we don’t easily characterize
him/her as good researcer.
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Can we accept a description as:
A great researcher that was also a criminal?
Or even:
A criminal that was also a great researcher?
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References
Petersson et al. 2006
Bengt Petersson, Göran Hermerén, and Bo Gustafsson (2006)
Good research practice - what is it? Views, guidelines and
examples.
ICSU report, 2008
International Council for Science (2008) Freedom, Responsibility
and Universality of Science; ISBN 978-0-930357-68-9
Hermerén, 2011
Göran Hermerén (2011) Good research practice.