UID:
almahu_9949386469002882
Format:
1 online resource :
,
illustrations (black and white)
Edition:
First edition.
ISBN:
9781000172126
,
1000172120
,
9781003057710
,
1003057713
,
9781000172164
,
1000172163
,
9781000172140
,
1000172147
Content:
This book explores the weak explanatory and predictive power of theories across disciplines, explains reasons for limited expertise after centuries of scientific effort, and sets forth strategies to accelerate knowledge and manage a future we can only dimly comprehend. Gaps in knowledge arose because common, natural and artificial phenomena are fundamentally hard to understand, and in expertise persists because research is unproductive. This book argues that weak research comes with huge opportunity cost because it stymies optimum decision making by government, corporations and individuals. Research needs restructuring which must come from governments' top down requirement that funding bodies foster applied research with real-world impact, and that universities influence scientific publishers to improve their publications' integrity. This book seeks to catalyse extinction events for theories in most disciplines, which would clear a path for solving multiple crises in research. The author cautions that this process would be disruptive, unpopular and painful.
Note:
Cover -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- List of Illustrations -- Quotations that Motivate the Book -- 1 What this Book is About -- 2 The Fundamentals of Research -- Evolution of Natural and Social Sciences Research -- Ontology, Epistemology and Research Strategy -- The Nature of Paradigms -- Structural Difficulties in Developing Good Theory -- Researchers' Expertise -- A Taxonomy of Inexpertise -- Conclusion -- 3 What has Gone Wrong? -- Structure of the Research Sector -- Conduct of Research -- Instinctive Reach for the Dark Matter Solution
,
Are Researchers up to the Job? -- Mistrust of Scientists -- Summary and Conclusion -- 4 Strategies to Accelerate Knowledge -- Promoting Heterodoxy and Interdisciplinary Research -- Harnessing Economic Forces -- Improving Research Methodology -- Improving Research Journals' Quality and Integrity -- Making Research a Profession -- Personal Traits of the Best Researchers -- Conclusion: Practical Steps to Accelerate More Productive Research -- 5 Strategies to Manage an Uncertain Future -- Decision Techniques -- Making Best Use of Experts and Expertise -- Honesty in Error Bars
,
Conclusion: Implications of Weak Theory for Policy and Practice -- 6 Summary and Blueprint For Better Research -- The Nub of the Problem -- Agenda for Reform of Research by Governments -- Agenda for Reform of Research by Funding Bodies -- Agenda for Reform by Universities -- Agenda for Reform by Publishers -- Agenda for Reform by Researchers -- Agenda for Reform by Research Consumers -- Where to Now? -- References -- Index
Additional Edition:
Print version: ISBN 0367523973
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9780367523978
Language:
English
Keywords:
Electronic books.
;
Electronic books.
URL:
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781003057710
