Research in Society: <i>Valuing Research in Concept but Not Always in Practice</i>

Abstract

IntroductionThe discussion of access to information is relevant to professions such as library and information science-a profession that values the importance of information-and is based on fostering access and supporting research and innovation. As is the case with professions, such as journalism, library and information science has as its basis the support of the principles of a democratic society, as defined by the founders to include the role of an informed citizenry, which is capable of full participation in society, the support for research and innovation, and some measure of transparency of government.In this regard, full participation in society necessarily includes participation in the political and policy making processes and in overall civic engagement, including informed decision making in these contexts, as well as in the individual's private and professional life. Consistent with the principle of access to information is the concern of the conduct of research for a range of purposes and the presentation of data and the results of analysis in the education and preparation of individuals to be informed consumers to support their full participation in society.Research is conducted by scholars and professionals, such as scientists, as well as humanists and social scientists and journalists, among many others. In the context of a society that has gone from published research in print in monographs and periodicals, including newspapers, and fifteen minute news broadcasts before the Vietnam War to online books, journals, and other web resources, and 24-hour news, from three networks to network, cable, international, and online news and blogs, access to and the scrutiny of research has expanded dramatically. In addition, although research can be produced and presented more quickly, there are also documented examples of flawed research in many forms.With exemplars from a range of sectors and societal contexts, the conflicted position over research from the individual, organizational, and societal perspective can be documented. The rationale for conducting and communicating the results of research, the role of individuals as consumers of research on their own behalf or in their professional roles, the factors that contribute to public apprehension about and mistrust of research, and innovative models of presenting research in the complex environment of the knowledge economy provide the context for this discussion and analysis.Research in SocietyIt is necessary to consider the rationale for conducting research and for communicating the results. To a large extent, the historic basis for the conduct of research was that of testing conventional wisdom and rules of thumb in order to enhance work in organizations, foster scientific progress, and to address societal concerns. In a general sense, research can be defined as systematic inquiry and a search for new knowledge. The purpose of research is to further the understanding of an issue or phenomenon and, potentially, to enhance decision making. Original research, in particular, is intended to answer research questions or test hypotheses. Secondary research, enhanced by some level of analysis, presumably, provides the opportunity for consideration and application of research results in additional areas of inquiry and practice. Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, authors of the New York Times bestseller Freakonomics, have addressed the role and importance of research, with a particular focus on the value of quantitative research: Knowing what to measure and how to measure it makes a complicated world much less so. If you learn to look at data in the right way, you can explain riddles that might otherwise have seemed impossible. Because there is nothing like the sheer power of numbers to scrub away layers of confusion and contradiction (p. 12).A number of current and historical examples indicate the bases for fostering access to research and information, in support of informed participation in society, either through education, the media, or government itself, including public institutions such as libraries. …