A review of basic research tools without the confusing philosophy

One consequence of novice researchers studying methodology textbooks is confusion: philosophical terminology is complicated and sometimes poorly defined. Another consequence is that inexperienced researchers divide themselves into epistemological cliques, which can inhibit inter-disciplinary discussions. This is a particular problem in subjects, such as Information Science, that bridge disciplines. This article attempts to address these issues by seeking ground common to researchers, regardless of their philosophical standpoint. It identifies several ‘tools of the mind’ which are expanded on and discussed. By becoming familiar with these tools, inexperienced researchers can gain practical insights that create context for philosophical terms they later encounter. ‘Tools of the mind’ discussed are captured in the following questions:

1. What should I research?

2. How do I go about researching it?

3. What assumptions have earlier researchers made?

4. What assumptions can I make without being challenged?

5. How can I indicate what it is that I am studying to researchers who wish to build on my work?

6. What can usefully be compared to the phenomenon I am researching?

7. When circumstances change, what new research opportunities arise?

8. How do I tell my research story so that it will be reliably transmitted?