The pressures of the political on rigorous and ethical research

The pressures of the political on rigorous and ethical research

This book will explore the impact of politics on the work of the researcher and evaluator. The introductory chapter provides an overview for the book commencing with an examination of definitions of key terminology and clarification of constructs. It then proceeds to discuss the ways in which politics may impinge upon research and evaluation work and leads the reader through the themes and issues developed in proceeding chapters that explore the impact of politics on the work of the researcher and evaluator in a the context of research internationally. When researchers and evaluators encounter political influence during the conduct of their work, it can create a source of tension for them. Political influence may be felt during the design stage in formulating questions and methodology, during the conduct of the research or evaluation, and during the concluding stages when reports are written and recommendations proposed. Researchers and evaluators are trained through study and practice to seek independent and ethical approaches to their work, so the intrusion of politics may pose problems. Many would argue that research and evaluation is inherently political; that research and evaluation processes involve politics at micro and institutional levels, in multiple ways, and at multiple points. This is because it engages complex social relations about rules and resources between various interest groups, all of whom have vested interests in the outcomes. These issues are global and this chapter reflects on commonalities arising internationally and compares positions and experiences of contributing authors from Europe, America and Asia, including Australia.

File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author.