Reason Why Research is not Perfect

Research is Constantly Evolving

Research is not perfect because it is constantly evolving. Take for example, the invention of the telephone. The telephone evolved due to a need for a better communication system then the Pony Express and the Telegram. The idea that communication could be faster and more effective drove Alexander Graham Bell to perform countless experiments(in electrical storms) to make his communication theory real. Such experiments and research were triggered by a great desire for a perfect communication system, a desire that exists up to the present time. Wireless mobile phones such as blackberries, Adriods, and i phones are the result of constantly evolving research designed to create a more effective and efficient connectivity among people.

Therefore,”…one(phase of) research can lead to another, but no research is in fructose and without meaning, as it is the stepping stone of future research.” (Misnomer, pg1)

Research Is Error Prone

Research is not perfect because it is error prone. A good example of this conclusion is the extensive research done in the healthcare business. Year after year health studies are done on such items as food, beverages and medical products. For instance, one year research may suggest that coffee and wine is not good for you, health wise. However, the next year, researchers may suggest that wine and coffee has a positive effects on your health. Medical products are another example of the imperfections of research. Health researchers may prove the vitamin D is good for your heart one year but other researchers may suggest that vitamin D has no health benefits on the heart at all the next year.

Research Has Delayed Value

Research is also not perfect due to its sometimes delayed value. For instance, health scientist may conduct research for decades, attempting to find a cure for such diseases as breast cancer, heart disease, and colon cancer, only to turn up short again and again. However, instead of going back to the drawing board, researchers strive to improve upon the knowledge that has already been gained by such research. For instance, some cures for a disease have taken decades to discover, including measles, smallpox, and polio. These discoveries, however, have been only a springboard for further research which will mostly likely require decades (if not centuries) before other cures will be found.

And other cures will definitely be found as more discoveries are made and knowledge increases decade by decade.

FEMA and Hurricane Katrina

A more recent example that proves that research isn’t perfect involves the sense of bewilderment that FEMA experienced in response Hurricane Katrina. FEMA is an agency of the United States government designed to respond to homeland disasters that may overwhelm local and state agencies and authorities. However, when confronted with the wide spread calamity of Katrina, FEMA wasn’t able to handle the volume of death and destruction created by Katrina, despite all the training and research that went into disaster response readiness. The bureaucracy regarding what to do first, who could help and when they could help exposed the inadequate research that went into the agency’s disaster response strategies. Nevertheless, after further research, FEMA has improved upon its readiness to respond to future homeland disasters by implemented vital contracts and training with local, city and and state programs that could assist the government agency in case another disaster strikes. These improvements include disaster training courses and Pre-Positioned Contracts, allowing quick mobilization and emergency response on a local level. Nevertheless, disasters such as Katrina as well as the Gulf Oil Spill proves that the research conducted to deal with such significant events isn’t perfect.

No Child Let Behind Act

Moreover, in the field of education, the results of research done on the No Child Left Behind Act is another indication that research is not perfect. The No Child Left Behind Act was designed to provide equal educational opportunity for all students in the U.S school system. The methods researched were supposed to effectively elevate all students to the desired educational levels needed to be successful in society. However, research results regarding the government program suggests that instead of raising graduation rates the program actually lowers them. “By analyzing data from more than 271,000 students, the study found that 60 percent of African-American students, 75 percent of Latina students and 80 percent of ESL students did not graduate withing five years.” (Science Daily, pg 1) . The methods(test-based learning strategies) designed to equalize the academic success of these students failed in this regard.