...on research

Definitions of research seem to consistently suggest two key attributes with an associated consideration:
     1) research is a process that is organized or systematic
     2) research has the purpose of increasing knowledge or understanding
     3) research typically involves reporting or sharing knowledge that is gained

Varieties of research tend to be correlated with different processes and include various categorizations.

Each of these categories carries different principles relating to ontological and epistemological positions, appropriate methods, conceptions of expertise and other charactersitics.

While the general purpose of research is to increase[produce] knowledge and understanding, different types of research will have more specific purposes; namely to increase[produce] specific knowledge or understanding. These will arise in different disciplines (e.g. microbiology, cultural studies, engineering), different sectors (e.g. auto-manufacturing, regional government, environmental non-government organizations) and among different groups of people (e.g. 8th Grade study group, advertising consultants, scientific panel). This last point - about participants - leads toward important questions relevant to all research:

Responses have often been taken for granted, defaulting to experts or specialists in various disciplines. Recent directions in research processes and methods, however, demonstrate increased attention to these questions, especially with regard to complex and messy situations. Both questions can be considered with respect to intentions (who does the research process plan to involve?) and actualization (who does the research actually involve?).

Civics research can be considered as another variety or form of research - which may intersect with some of the foregoing categories. The notes drafted here - which arise from reading, thinking, discussion and experience - offer a preliminary sketch of my thoughts on what the purposes and principles of civics research might be. In the spirit of the approach they begin to describe, they are offered as a point of departure rather than a destination; as comments open to critique, expansion, alteration and revision.

While there may be hope for, or belief in, a set of fundamental principles to guide or underlie civics research, the principles described here seem to suggest the need for evolution of the principles themselves. The process and principles of civics research, perhaps, can only be valid through critique and evolution, or when actively evolving through critique, creation and practice.

civics  research
assumptions, purposes, processes and principles
forms and examples

links and references


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Written origins: 2002/05 - Posted: 2002/07/24
Most recent substantive changes: 2002/07/24