Decisions and justifications when recounting social science research

Abstract

The process of conducting research can be conceptualized as a series of decisions. Current models of social science decision-making suggest that theoretical, practical, and personal factors influence choices, but no model contains all three factors together. Additionally, in these models, there is little focus on how decisions are made. To map influences and processes in researcher decision-making, interviews with 20 education researchers were conducted. The analysis found that of the 418 decisions, half were justified on practical grounds, a quarter justified on theoretical grounds, and a quarter based on personal interest and desires. Researchers almost exclusively described considering only one option for each decision, and approximately a quarter of decisions were presented as following familiar or typical practices. Greater understanding of how researchers make decisions is crucial for improving research practice, and this study aims to demonstrate research directions for the development of a more comprehensive model of researcher decision-making.