Outrider 4 - What is a researcher

Summary

In this video, Tara Brabazon, Dean of Graduate Studies at Charles Darwin University, explores the evolving role of a researcher. She emphasizes the importance of scholarly conversation, the transformation of information into knowledge, and the necessity of verification within the research community. Brabazon also discusses the challenges faced by researchers, including ethical considerations, the impact of social media, and the precarious nature of academic employment, urging researchers to uphold the integrity and nobility of their profession.

Takeaways

• 📚 The term 'researcher' has a long history, dating back to its first use in 1544, and originates from the Old French word 'searcher'.
• 🗣️ Research is defined as a conversation between the researcher and the scholarly community, aiming to free citizens from ignorance and fear.
• 🌟 Researchers play a noble role in transforming information into knowledge and making it meaningful for society, which is crucial in the face of misinformation.
• 🔍 The goal of research is to find the 'right conversation' and engage in a social sense-making process, as emphasized by Half in her 2009 book.
• 🔑 Researchers are information professionals who use methodology, epistemology, and ontology to analyze and prepare data sets for consumption by diverse communities.
• 🔬 The scientific method is a key tool for managing subjectivity and bias in research, ensuring rigorous validation and verification of findings.
• 🏛️ Research ethics are paramount, with a focus on respect for citizens, animals, and the environment, guided by codes and legislation like the National Review Act.
• 🌐 The challenges facing researchers include maintaining the integrity of peer review, dealing with the volatility of the academic workforce, and navigating the ethics of using public social media posts in research.
• 🏫 The current state of higher education, with its focus on short-term contracts and casualization, poses significant challenges for researchers and the quality of research.
• 💡 Researchers must continually innovate and pursue further qualifications to improve their knowledge and skills, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of research.
• 🌱 The importance of research is underscored by its potential to drive competitiveness in various sectors, including public and private corporations, and its role in shaping the future.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'researcher'?

The term 'researcher' originates from the Old French word 'searcher' and was first used in 1544.

What is the motivational definition of 'research' as mentioned in the script?

The motivational definition of 'research' is a conversation between a researcher and the scholarly community, aiming to free citizens from ignorance, fear, pretenders, and fear mongers.

What is the role of a researcher according to the script?

A researcher's role is to engage in scholarly conversations, transform information into knowledge, and make it meaningful for citizens, enabling strong and clear decision-making.

Why is the peer review process important for researchers?

The peer review process is important as it verifies the work done by researchers, ensuring that ideas are checked and validated by colleagues within the intellectual community.

What does the script suggest about the nobility of being a researcher?

The script suggests that there is nobility in being a researcher because it involves contributing to the advancement of knowledge, holding oneself accountable to high standards of intellectual life, and serving the community through verified research.

How does the script define 'research ethics'?

Research ethics, as defined in the script, is concerned with the well-being of people, animals, documents, or the environment involved in the research process, ensuring respect and safety throughout.

What are some of the challenges faced by researchers in the context of the script?

Challenges faced by researchers include maintaining high standards of intellectual life, dealing with issues like research misconduct, gatekeeping of knowledge, and the instability and precarity of academic contracts.

How does the script describe the importance of research in various sectors?

The script describes the importance of research in various sectors by stating that research makes corporations competitive, contributes to public and private organizations, and is integral to innovation and knowledge advancement.

What is the significance of the scientific method in managing subjectivity and bias according to the script?

The scientific method is significant as it provides a structured approach to validate and manage subjectivity and bias through observation, hypothesis testing, data collection, analysis, and iterative refinement.

What does the script suggest about the future of research and researchers?

The script suggests that the future of research and researchers will involve addressing emerging debates around research ethics, especially with the use of public posts from social media, and navigating the challenges of an increasingly volatile academic workforce.

How does the script emphasize the importance of research in the face of 'fake news' and 'alternative facts'?

The script emphasizes the importance of research by highlighting the need for rigorous, high-quality research to counteract the spread of misinformation and to uphold the integrity of knowledge in a time of 'fake news' and 'alternative facts'.