Thomas
Evidence Based Practice Research Quiz: Test Discussion Responses
Most Challenging Question
Continuing the theme concerning the validity of test participants established in previous discussions, Question #4 was found to be the most difficult yet also the most important question in this author’s opinion. Question #4 postulated what a researcher examines in a phenomenological study to which the correct answer, in summary, is to assess the participant’s perceptions of a particular situation or phenomena. Gall et al. (2015) in describing the area of fieldwork, indicated that researchers interact and observe project participants in their natural setting as opposed to a controlled setting established by the researcher. Perhaps contained within that statement is the solution to the most basic, yet substantive issue as to the participant’s legitimacy to be a part of the research project: Are participants true representatives or targeted test subjects for legitimate data and feedback, or are they a part of the project by mere existence or presence in the “natural setting.”
Most Important Questions
Question #4, as previously discussed, is also the most important as it determines the validity and veracity of participant’s “perceptions” which could be translated into considering one’s own opinion, regardless of their level of knowledge on a given subject, which will vastly impact the usefulness of the data or observations. The fear borne of this discussion is that persons today believe their opinion is of value regardless as to their level of knowledge of the subject at hand. Lattier (2017) quoted American financier Bernard M. Baruch (1870-1965):
“Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.” (para. 4).
Can this be assumed as a correct statement today or do persons have opinions for the sake of opinions and believe what they say matters just because the individual can force breath across their vocal cords? What impact does the empowerment of stating one’s own beliefs about any and every subject, regardless of knowledge or experience with the subject at hand have on the validity and usefulness of the observations?
