Statistical Inference Enables Bad Science; Statistical Thinking Enables Good Science

ABSTRACT

Scientific research of all kinds should be guided by statistical thinking: in the design and conduct of the study, in the disciplined exploration and enlightened display of the data, and to avoid statistical pitfalls in the interpretation of the results. However, formal, probability-based statistical inference should play no role in most scientific research, which is inherently exploratory, requiring flexible methods of analysis that inherently risk overfitting. The nature of exploratory work is that data are used to help guide model choice, and under these circumstances, uncertainty cannot be precisely quantified, because of the inevitable model selection bias that results. To be valid, statistical inference should be restricted to situations where the study design and analysis plan are specified prior to data collection. Exploratory data analysis provides the flexibility needed for most other situations, including statistical methods that are regularized, robust, or nonparametric. Of course, no individual statistical analysis should be considered sufficient to establish scientific validity: research requires many sets of data along many lines of evidence, with a watchfulness for systematic error. Replicating and predicting findings in new data and new settings is a stronger way of validating claims than blessing results from an isolated study with statistical inferences.     

Reconsidering the exploration of power distance: an active case study approach

In this paper, we present what we call an “active case study” and we theorize specifically on the relevance hereof for an exploration of power distance (as conceptualized by Hofstede (Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values, Sage, Beverley Hills, CA, 1980)). As Hofstede conceives it, the notion of “power distance” enables an understanding of the predominant ideas about inequality prevalent in a (national) culture, which in turn infuse work relationships. An active case study approach—as we elucidate in the paper—implies an acknowledgement on the part of those organizing the research of the manner in which their intervention might affect the way “respondents” experience their work relationships. We suggest that our proposed active case study approach offers novel possibilities for exploring power distance and should be added to the repertoire of approaches used to examine this in organizational life. We develop our argument in this regard by offering a detailed account of the application of this approach to a Taiwanese organization (the Kaohsiung Harbor Bureau in Taiwan).     

Reflection note: confessions of a Muslim researcher – considering identity in research

ABSTRACT

This research note explores some of the contentions that have emerged from Muslim-on-Muslim research and how this can implicate the researcher more personally. Speaking in the context of methodological concerns arising from qualitative research, the paper consider the following aspects: inappropriate access of participants, over-representation of own experiences, and questioning fundamental parts of your identity. Whilst certain experiences can shake the foundations of being a researcher and even sense of self, these should ultimately be welcomed. It is concluded that, in taking the time to reconcile from such tensions emerging from our multiple identities, it can allow for becoming a more rigorous and reflexive researcher.     

基于科学知识图谱的电子商务文献研究

应用科学计量学工具Citespace II对在2000-2010年间发表的电子商务研究文献进行定量的引文分析和共被引分析分析,找到了该领域的研究主体(高产作者、高产机构、高产国家),识别其知识基础(高影响力作者、经典文献、关键文献、核心期刊),并以可视化的知识图谱生动展现电子商务的发展过程,帮助电子商务研究者深入地了解学科的研究前沿和热点。最后,展望了电子商务的发展趋势。     

行动研究的几个理论问题

行动研究越来越受到人们的重视,对行动研究本身的研究是运用好行动研究的重要方面。本文集中对行动研究的产生和发展、行动研究的含义、理论基础、特点等几个理论问题作了深入探讨。     

作为“文化实践冶的网络民族志———研究者的视角与阐释

互联网和新媒体的发展让人类学家的“田野”不再局限于固有“方位”和实体空间,而逐步拓展至网络虚拟空间。 在网络空间中,研究者不仅是网络文化的“亲历者”和“参与者”,更是对社区和研究对象做出积极贡献的“创造者”。 作者以自己的田野经验和个案研究为例,将网络民族志视作研究者与研究对象共同进行的“文化实践”活动。 这样的研究视角和以往网络民族志相关研究较为不同。 同时,研究双方于网络空间中的“共在”,使得研究者在研究方法、参与度及个人情感投注等方面都发生变化。 由此,作者提出,在网络民族志研究中,研究者作为观察者和文化创造者的双重身份得到凸显。 此外,网络民族志中的田野更具“流动性”,民族志文本的写作也将面临新的挑战。 通过该研究,作者认为,从研究者的视角深入剖解和讨论,不仅在于了解网络对研究过程所带来的影响,还在于把握研究者如何面对网络世界,如何阐述自己。 而从更为广泛的意义上说,这样的研究思路也可以帮助我们重思网络空间赋予社会科学研究的意义。.     

论英语教师角色要求

英语是一种国际性语言。全球化强化了英语教育的重要性 ,对英语教师传统的课堂地位 ,形成一种挑战 ,因此对英语教师的角色要求更高了。本文从新的视角论述英语教师的角色要求。