Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where your research findings are inconclusive or contradictory?
Sample answer:
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Acknowledge the limitations: Be transparent about the limitations of your research, such as sample size, methodology, or external validity. Acknowledge that the findings may not be generalizable to all populations or contexts.
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Replicate and extend the research: Conduct follow-up studies with larger sample sizes, different methodologies, or in different contexts to confirm or refute the initial findings. This can help to rule out chance findings or identify boundary conditions for the effects.
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Consider alternative explanations: Explore alternative explanations for the inconclusive or contradictory findings. This may involve considering different theoretical perspectives, examining potential confounds or biases, or conducting additional analyses to rule out alternative hypotheses.
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Seek expert opinions: Consult with other researchers in the field, particularly those with expertise in the specific area of study. Their insights can help you to interpret the findings, identify potential flaws in the research… Read full answer
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