Ways of generating research questions: Gap-spotting or problematization?
A research seminar with Mats Alvesson and Jorgen Sandberg
| When: |
Tuesday, 10 March 2009 |
| Where: |
Room 113 Colin Clark Building, UQ St Lucia Campus |
| Time: |
1.00pm - 2.30pm |
| Hosted by: |
Knowledge in Organization Group |
| Abstract: |
We examine a number of articles in organization studies and develop a typology of researchers' ways of generating research questions, with a particular focus on which ways that are likely to lead to the development of interesting and significant theories. The most commonly used way across paradigmatic camps is to spot various 'gaps' in existing literature and, based on that, formulate specific research questions. Questioning the assumptions underlying existing theories appears to be a much less common way of generating research questions, despite the increased realisation that challenging assumptions is what makes a theory interesting. The paper discusses why challenging assumptions is rare and identifies a range of social norms that directs researchers to assume gap-spotting as the preferred way of generating research questions. Finally, we discuss paths that move beyond gap-spotting as the prevalent mode of generating research questions. |
| Further information: |
Download paper |
All staff and postgraduate students are welcome to attend.
