Provide 1-2 paragraph response to include intext citation with minimum of 2 referernces
I think that researchers are obligated to not misuse a study for the purposes of social change or any other purpose. When reading a study, it is assumed that the researcher has performed their due diligence and that the study is accurate.
If researchers misuse studies, those reading will lose faith in the system and may not trust those studies which have been conducted properly and may possess great knowledge to implement social change. Proper use of data directly affects the quality of your research (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2015). Quality research affects your credibility.
One example of misuse is when a researcher intentionally asks the wrong question to satisfy their argument rather than to ask the right question that might disprove their argument. Bartholet (2014) shows us an example in her speech pertaining to maintaining family groups rather than what is the best interest of the child.
Another example of misuse is when the researcher relies on unsubstantiated claims to satisfy their own research or agenda. Fedina (2015) brings to light that many governments have in the past or still do rely on unsubstantiated claims when funding budgets for anti-sex trafficking legislation. This particular topic has a heavy social implication. The consequences of getting it wrong are too great to be basing laws on the wrong data.
As I stated earlier, the researcher is obligated to properly utilize previous studies. Misuse of data can cause social change funds to be allocated incorrectly. If a policy is ineffective, it needs to be acknowledged and discontinued so that the resources can be allocated to a program that can be effective. Trying to bail out a pet project to save face is unethical.
References
Bartholet, E. (2014). Creating a child-friendly child welfare system: The use and misuse of research. Whittier Journal of Child and Family Advocacy, 13(1), 1-19. doi:10.2139/ssrn.2282037
Fedina, L. (2015). Use and misuse of research in books on sex trafficking: Implications for interdisciplinary researchers, practitioners, and advocates. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 16(2), 188-198.
Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited.