Main trends of research in the social and human ... - unesdoc - Unesco

Problem-focused research 633
building a dam, fertilizing barren soil). This possibility of proving usefulness is
not always as easy or as concrete in the human sciences. Doubtless this is
connected with the fact that in these sciences the factors involved are much
more numerous and complex: these complicate not only analysis and diagnosis
but also informed action itself. It can happen that the mere fact of studying
a social situation alters that situation; in the same way unexpected variables
may affect the action undertaken as the result of study;
3. The ‘values’ implied in all problem-focused research do not always command
assent. Here again a comparison with the acceptance given to the
values of practitioners in the natural sciences is often made to the detriment
of the social sciences, where the number of subjects prohibited by ‘taboos’ is
greater.
B. There are the conditions which make contact possible between scientific
research workers :
4. Those carrying out problem-focused research must be able to give their
work a solid basis of scientific research;
5. They must have easy access to this research and easy contact with those
carrying it out;
6. Research teams must be made up in a way that facilitates interdisciplinary
discussion.
C. There are conditions favourable to contact between clients and those applying
the results of research:
7. Problem-focused research workers must be free to have discussions with
the clients and with those presenting the problem;
8. These relations must be established at the start of research proceedings,
continue throughout and be resumed more actively after the results have
been communicated. These must serve as a point of departure for decisions
on action to be taken, in which the different responsibilities must be clearly
defined and understood by the people involved.
D. The fact that problem-focused research is situated at the crossroads between
research and action raises an institutional problem:
9. If this research is attached too closely to pure research centres it runs the
risk of becoming academic;
IO. If it is too near practical action there is a risk of it becoming applied
research.
E. The growth of problem-focused research within society as a whole implies
among other things the existence of institutions supporting it:
I I. Medium- and long-term financing ensuring continuity, as opposed to
short-term financing;
12. The existence of national or international associations and work groups,
the organization of seminars and professional training;
13. The benefit of work plans and of programmes with financial and institutional
backing.
The existence of a common rallying-point, a common designation, professional
identification, the organization of congresses, seminars and symposia, the exist-