The future of research into complex social and health issues is being threatened by the backlash of conservatism in government policy and funding arenas in developed countries, according to leading US international researcher Professor Yvonna Lincoln.

“Growing conservatism is forcing human research to use scientific trials that produce more statistics and graphs for ‘easier’ consumption by policy makers and the general public. These are generally ‘high-tech, quick fix’ research approaches,” said Professor Lincoln, who hails from Texas A&M University. 

“However, understanding the complex problems we face in today’s society means we must employ a range of research strategies, especially those that help us understand people in their social environments.”

Speaking this weekend at a Charles Sturt University conference in Albury, NSW, Professor Lincoln fears the implication this trend has for government health and social policies, as they are often based on the research carried out by universities and other research centres.

“If the research on which government policies are based is flawed or too simplistic, this can produce extensive flow-on problems that can have long term effects on our communities,” Professor Lincoln said.

Professor Lincoln, who is widely published and acclaimed as a commentator of international standing, is in Australia as a keynote speaker for the CSU research conference, to be held this Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September at the University’s Albury-Wodonga Campus.

Professor Lincoln is also speaking on this topic at a public lecture, which starts at 5pm on Thursday 18 September at the Nowik Lecture Theatre, Guinea Street, Albury.

The conference, to be hosted by CSU’s Centre for Research into Professional Practice, Learning and Education, will focus on a range of social issues, such as post-war Kosovo, literacy, environmental protection and Indigenous women’s fear of crime. See more >