The Critical Assessment Of Research: Traditional And New Methods Of Evaluation (chandos Information Professional Series)

This book examines the following factors: sponsorship of research, control of the dissemination of research, effects of dominant research paradigms, financial interests of authors, publishers, and editors, role of new technologies (for example, Web 2.0). It is widely accepted among researchers and educators that the peer review process, the reputation of the publisher and examination of the author's credentials are the gold standards for assessing the quality of research and information. However, the traditional gold standards are not sufficient, and the effective evaluation of information requires the consideration of additional factors. Controversies about positive evaluations of new medications that appear in peer-reviewed journals, the financial reports on Enron prior to the revelations that led to its collapse, and obstacles to the publication of research that does not conform to dominant paradigms are just a few examples that indicate the need for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to evaluating information. Each of the factors is discussed in a factual manner, supported by many examples that illustrate not only the nature of the issues but also their complexity. Practical suggestions for the evaluation of information are an integral part of the text. Highlights frequently overlooked criteria for evaluating research Challenges the assumption that the gold standards for evaluation are sufficient Examines the role of new technologies in evaluating and disseminating research This Book Examines The Following Factors: Sponsorship Of Research, Control Of The Dissemination Of Research, Effects Of Dominant Research Paradigms, Financial Interests Of Authors, Publishers, And Editors, Role Of New Technologies (for Example, Web 2.0). It Is Widely Accepted Among Researchers And Educators That The Peer Review Process, The Reputation Of The Publisher And Examination Of The Author's Credentials Are The Gold Standards For Assessing The Quality Of Research And Information. However, The Traditional Gold Standards Are Not Sufficient, And The Effective Evaluation Of Information Requires The Consideration Of Additional Factors. Controversies About Positive Evaluations Of New Medications That Appear In Peer-reviewed Journals, The Financial Reports On Enron Prior To The Revelations That Led To Its Collapse, And Obstacles To The Publication Of Research That Does Not Conform To Dominant Paradigms Are Just A Few Examples That Indicate The Need For A More Sophisticated And Nuanced Approach To Evaluating Information. Each Of The Factors Is Discussed In A Factual Manner, Supported By Many Examples That Illustrate Not Only The Nature Of The Issues But Also Their Complexity. Practical Suggestions For The Evaluation Of Information Are An Integral Part Of The Text. Highlights Frequently Overlooked Criteria For Evaluating Researchchallenges The Assumption That The Gold Standards For Evaluation Are Sufficientexamines The Role Of New Technologies In Evaluating And Disseminating Research. Introduction -- The Gold Standards : Peer Review ; Publisher Reputation ; Author Credentials ; Gold Standards And The Mass Media ; Limitations Of The Gold Standards -- Sponsorship And Funding : Case 1: Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Case 2. Enron ; Case 3. The Bell Curve -- Research Paradigms : Case 1. Intelligence Testing ; Case 2. What Causes Ulcers? ; Case 3. Artistic Canons -- The Dissemination Of Research : Case 1. Research On Homosexuality And Feminist Research ; Case 2. Pharmaceutical Research ; Case 3. Gray Literature -- Moving Beyond The Gold Standards: Tools And Techniques : Investigating Research ; Striking The Balance. Alan Bailin And Ann Grafstein. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 101-115) And Index. It is widely accepted among researchers and educators that the peer review process (the reputation of the publisher and examination of the author’s credentials) are the gold standards for assessing the quality of research and information. However, in the contemporary research environment, the traditional gold standards are no longer sufficient, and the effective evaluation of information requires the consideration of additional factors, including: who has sponsored the research; who controls the dissemination of the research; what are the effects of dominant research paradigms; and what are the financial interests of authors, publishers and editors. The role of new technologies, including Web 2.0, is also addressed. Relevant examples such as controversies about positive evaluations of new medications that appear in peer-reviewed journals, the literature on Enron prior to the revelations that led to its collapse, and the suppression of research that does not conform to dominant paradigms offered to indicate the need for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to evaluating information. Practical suggestions for the evaluation of information are an integral part of the text. Annotation This book examines the following factors sponsorship of research, control of the dissemination of research, effects of dominant research paradigms, financial interests of authors, publishers, and editors, role of new technologies (for example, Web 2.0)It is widely accepted among researchers and educators that the peer review process, the reputation of the publisher and examination of the author's credentials are the gold standards for assessing the quality of research and information. However, in the contemporary research environment, the traditional gold standards are no longer sufficient, and the effective evaluation of information requires the consideration of additional factors. Controversies about positive evaluations of new medications that appear in peer-reviewed journals, the literature on Enron prior to the revelations that led to its collapse and the suppression of research that does not conform to dominant paradigms are just a few examples that indicate the need for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to evaluating information Content: Front matter , Pages i-iii Copyright , Page iv About the authors , Pages vii-viii Acknowledgements , Page ix 1 - Introduction , Pages 1-5 2 - The gold standards , Pages 7-15 3 - Sponsorship and funding , Pages 17-38 4 - Research paradigms , Pages 39-61 5 - The dissemination of research , Pages 63-84 6 - Moving beyond the gold standards: tools and techniques , Pages 85-99 References , Pages 101-115 Index , Pages 117-121