Guide to Advanced Empirical
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| 2.4. Scientific Value Scientific value has two components the validity of the study, and the importance of the research topic (McNeill, 1993; National Health and Medical Research Council et al., 2007). First, if the study is not methodologically valid, its results will not faithfully reflect reality. Consequently, the study will provide no benefit. A study without benefit should not be undertaken (Freedman, 1987; McNeill, In many of the codes of ethics promulgated by professions, the issue of competence is the counterpart to the issue of scientific validity (e.g. American Psychological Association, 2002). In the context of ESE, competence refers to an understanding of the standard research and statistical methodologies. ESE researchers should therefore be familiar with the appropriate and relevant methodologies or consult with other professionals who possess the necessary competence. Because ESE is a relatively new approach, if not anew field, there is still a great deal of activity in the development of new methodologies, particularly in regard to metrics. Methodological development poses a problem for evaluating scientific value. Since it is difficult to assess anew methodology’s validity, precisely because it is new, it is difficult to assess the scientific value of the development of that methodology. One way to validate anew methodology is by using it to replicate well-established results. ESE researchers wishing to develop and use anew methodology should consider validating this methodology through replication as soon as possible. The previous sections of this chapter reviewed four ethical principles paramount to conducting ethical research in ESE. Researchers should be familiar with these principles and know how to apply them to their research projects. It is not sufficient to simply follow a set of regulations. Each decision regarding ethics should be made inconsideration of the underlying principles. The next section of the chapter introduces project review by summarizing the history of the regulation of research by governments, and defining some common terms associated with ethics review. 9 A Practical Guide to Ethical Research Involving Humans 241 Download 1.5 Mb. Share with your friends:
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