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Hidden processes of workflow in cognitive developmental psychology
Lauren N Girouard1, Susan A Gelman2
1Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Summary
Researchers often overlook crucial hidden steps in children's thinking studies, impacting the entire workflow. Transparently communicating these informal decisions is vital for robust research and methodological reform.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Research in children's thinking involves visible steps like data collection and analysis.
- Crucial, yet often invisible, steps significantly influence research outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the benefits and challenges of hidden research steps.
- To offer strategies for avoiding pitfalls in these informal research processes.
- To encourage transparent communication of decisions outside traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Critical evaluation of informal research practices.
- Analysis of decision-making in study design and communication.
- Literature review on research workflow and methodological transparency.
Main Results:
- Hidden steps like pilot testing and criterion setting have significant workflow consequences.
- Lack of transparency in these steps can lead to research pitfalls.
- Addressing these hidden steps can inform methodological reforms.
Conclusions:
- Acknowledging and transparently reporting informal research steps is essential for scientific rigor.
- This approach can provide insights into resistance to methodological reforms in social sciences.
- The findings are applicable across diverse research fields beyond children's thinking.
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