About this Research Topic
Research in all fields stills garners the respect of the general public, and with a substantial reason. Researchers tend to be earnest, thorough in their work, employing sound methodologies, and honest in reporting results. That said, research in all disciplines is a human endeavor, so it is subject to both the strengths and the foibles of human activity. Because of the latter, there is an ethos that researchers should attend to. The ethos includes being honest when asking questions, taking care with respect of method, following guidelines when it comes to selecting data, and reporting findings fully and completely. The vast majority of researchers are aware of the ethos and do what they can to follow its latter and spirit.
At times, however—sometimes through carelessness and sometimes because of what we may call maliciousness—the tenets of the ethos are not followed. Both of the failings can be addressed here. There are individuals who cut corners and may not, for instance, select subjects who fully meet the criteria for inclusion in a study. What questions arise in such an instance? Some people may take shortcuts when it comes to methodology; what are the implications of such action? Others might go so far as to falsify or fabricate the results of their studies; these are probably the most egregious of failings.
This Article Collection will address both what can go wrong in research and how to avoid the temptations to fall short of the ideas of the ethos. The contributors will analyze potential problems and will suggests ways to avoid them.
Keywords: #scholarlycommunication, #ethics, #researchmethodologies, #researchstudies
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