JRP Submission for Review (ID#132)
Submitted on April 29, 2008

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TITLE: When a Research Opportunity Knocks

CATEGORY: Provocative Idea

ABSTRACT: Using the OECD criteria for what constitutes research, this
paper describes some of the processes that can be followed when post
hoc data suggests trends that can be of value to the community but
have not had the benefit of experimental design and control. Using
student learning task which compared Gardner's intelligence
preferences of people nominated as those the student communicated well
with and those they nominated as not communicating well with, the
article explores the problems associated with a lack of control of
subjects, replication of treatment, analysis and interpretation of
data, and validity of findings.

The potential benefits of such research are also addressed. These
include the exploration of relationships between previously unlinked
theories or bodies of knowledge as part of the post hoc literature
review and challenges to conventions in order to suggest new theories
or the need for revision of existing theories as well as benefits to
the communities which might find new applications for the insights
discovered.

KEYWORDS: post hoc research; multiple intelligences; communication

EXCERPTS:

The first step in the process is to justify the analysis and
publication of the post hoc data as 'research.' The OECD defines
research as:

. . . creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to
increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man (sic),
culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise
new applications. (University of Canberra, 2008)
[ http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/funding/dest-definition ]

. . . Therefore, the more closely the presentation of post hoc
research can conform to the traditional system for reporting of
results, the more likely it is to be accepted as 'research.' However,
each of the traditional headings for reporting research findings
presents additional challenges for those using a post hoc approach.

. . . As there had been no previous research linking Gardner's theory
with communication . . . a new link was suggested between these
formerly disparate areas of investigation.

. . . Finally, post hoc research arises from what is, rather than what
might be. That is it arises from what people are actually doing in
their fields of endeavour.
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This is a rather short article (2855 words, including references). The
focus of the peer review might be to point out the interesting parts
and suggest how the article might be strengthened so as to be relevant
to the multidisciplinary readership of JRP. Interested reviewers
familiar with the issues highlighted above may kindly respond.

Yours sincerely,

DP
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