UTNE Reader Jan-Feb 99 Article #4 May 1999 Glenn Tracey Cohort III

Research by the People, by Richard Sclove and Madeleine Scammell, UTNE Reader Jan-Feb 99. In finding an article dealing with research in the UTNE my surprise was pleasant as a topic relevant to our program was the last thing I expected. Research by the People is a request by the authors to develop support for community based research from government sources. Examples of successful research that benefit diverse communities have shown the value of producing studies which draw direction from social issues. Thinking about the research process has become a frequent examination of the reasons we are choosing the topics that interest us. Is it because they provide an opportunity to promote positive change in our society? More often we choose our studies based on the availability of information and the willingness of the research partners to agree on a common thesis. An attempt to influence the direction of research at a community level could provide a method of developing our education that may result in social improvements. By empowering communities with funding they could establish community-based scientific research programs that addressed social improvement while providing incentive to educators. Although it is true that many communities have developed programs through business foundations, the educational institutions, government and other sources, the need for a better system of offering opportunity to promote social change is obvious. The chance to develop graduate research in an area of identified need with adequate funding made accessible seems a powerful incentive. Programs that continue to promote current methods in a traditional fashion are often leaving students lacking resources that could lead to a better understanding of the role research can play in building our communities.

-- Anonymous, May 12, 1999

Answers

Glen, Your response is very clear and direct. It focuses directly on a concern that many of us face everyday. Sadly, much research that could be of value goes undone because of funding issues. It would be a great day indeed when proper funding existed. Since change starts in the small community what better place to go for the funding and guidance. After all is not most research done to solve problems by finding answers to multi-tiered questions? Best Wishes, John

-- Anonymous, May 19, 1999