Research Can Tell Us Whatever We Want It To.
By pumpkinjam
@pumpkinjam (8763)
United Kingdom
October 3, 2011 1:35am CST
Do you think this is true? If we choose to research something but already know the answers we intend to find, are we likely to choose a particular path, ask questions we know will give the answers we want and translate results into whatever suits us?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
3 Oct 11
I think that the obvious answer is yes. However some of the great discoveries have been found as by products of other research. If you are seeking an answer to something then it is as well to consider all the known source material first and try to form a conclusion, which may not be the one that you were expecting.
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8763)
• United Kingdom
4 Oct 11
It is important to consider everything when trying to come to a conclusions. However, I do think that more emphasis will be put on certain criteria if the experimenter does not have an entirely open mind. Also, I think that a different conclusion can be ascertained from the same results in some case.
@BJmalone (52)
•
27 Jan 12
That all depends on how you collect "evidence" and the criteria for it. If you are hunting Bigfoot and accept a howl in the distance as proof then you will certainly always arrive at your desired destination. On the other hand if you are scientific in your search and only accept facts as facts then you will arrive at the truth every time.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
17 Feb 12
Yes, I feel that there are many times no matter what the situation whether it be something simple and complex or something that is proven, when we do research on things that we are really wanting to accomplish, or prove to ourselves we will find answers. Many times it may not always be like we thought or wanted, but it is usually worth it.
