Qualitative Research Association of Sri Lanka’s Post

Every science is important, but some are essential. Scientific fields are classified and arranged hierarchically—at the base are the sciences that describe our civilization and the world around us. They are the foundational theories upon which we build the models we use in practice.   Theory and practice cannot exist without each other. The former makes assumptions that we experiment with solving real-life problems. Ultimately, the feedback we receive helps us correct the initial assumptions.   We start from the foundation I mentioned and then move to more practical layers of knowledge - management, infrastructure, and business. And finally, we have current trends. As we approach the periphery, i.e., the current trend signal-to-noise ratio drastically dissipates.   The following metaphor is appropriate: if all knowledge is a tree, theoretical sciences are the tree’s trunk, and the practical fields of knowledge are its branches. Finally, the leaves remain, which change yearly - the current trends. #Knowlegde #Investing #Science

I've been pondering our information transfer processes for a while, e.g. the news. I would like to use this article as an example: https://lnkd.in/gWfQDVw7 Now this site has a summary of each paper at the bottom with limitations and other items for consideration. Even with those, amorphous statements like this one are included in the text: “Science can yield huge benefits, but we need safeguards,” Basu says in a statement. “What those are, we do not know. But the paper urges us to pay attention to this.” As a professional scientist, what information does a quote like this communicate to me? First, the author doesn't understand science. It's used as a magic word, like Abracadabra. Science is a process of making measurements and refining our thinking. Changing our thinking with new information is theoretically what we are supposed to do, although we don't have a track record of rapid cognitive change. Therefore, we resort to the default process which is: Second, emotional manipulation "safeguards", "urging," and "attention" are requested. Not how to think about it, just what emotions to have. Third, the headline is click-bait. What's a curse anyway? Another form of magic that doesn't exist. Acquiring more accurate knowledge about our shared environment is never a bad thing. Of course, we can mess it up as humans, since that's typically what we do, but we can also theoretically make better, e.g. less emotional, decisions for our own benefit. For example, keeping more humans alive with the available resources and increasing the predictability of our shared environment could be concepts upon which we could agree, and then the "curse" goes away and we don't need "urging" or "attention". But I think we like our drama too much to willingly select a less dramatic option.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 💡 When you think of philosophy, the stereotype of someone lost in deep, abstract thought often comes to mind—detached from reality, confined to the world of ideas. While this may ring true for certain branches, philosophy is deeply intertwined with the practical world. It has shaped nearly every facet of human life, whether we notice it or not. Take, for example, determining the reliability of information (epistemology) or distinguishing right from wrong (ethics). These philosophical concepts are the foundation of countless real-world decisions. One of the most valuable outcomes of studying philosophy is the development of critical and innovative thinking. Many expect philosophy to sharpen our ability to think critically, but it also nurtures creativity. Philosophy pushes us to examine assumptions, identify flaws in arguments, and, most importantly, find solutions. This focus on problem-solving, whether theoretical or practical, is a cornerstone of innovation. Businesses thrive because they solve problems. But it’s not just about solving them; it’s about identifying them with precision, breaking them down, and finding effective, long-term solutions. A philosophical approach encourages us to think abstractly, dissect problems into manageable components, and devise actionable, practical solutions. Philosophical training also challenges the status quo—philosophers are not satisfied with "the way things have always been." They disrupt conventional ideas, pushing boundaries just as technological advancements do today. Furthermore, they excel at communicating complex ideas in concise, persuasive ways—a skill that is invaluable in any business environment. Would you be interested in seeing deep dives into how philosophy intersects with business in more detail? Let me know your thoughts! 👇

𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 + 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 = 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭! Do you have a burning question about the world around you? Perhaps a hunch about a business practice or a social issue that deserves exploration? Citizen science offers the perfect platform for your inquisitive mind. 𝗜'𝗺 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. Think beyond passive observation ― actively contribute to real scientific discovery! Share your area of interest in the comments below, and let's explore the citizen science possibilities! #citizenscience #research #innovation #impact #education

1/2: Title: The Scientific Parallels in Human Leadership: Dreams, Actions, and Consequences Entropy and Societal Change: Entropy, a measure of disorder in a system, can be paralleled with the societal upheavals instigated by each leader’s vision and actions. Gandhi’s peaceful methods introduced a new order from the chaos of colonial rule, while Hitler’s regime increased disorder through war and genocide. Colonel Sanders’s late-life success story demonstrates how personal reinvention can bring about order and success from the disorder of previous failures, illustrating how human systems tend to move towards entropy but can be re-ordered through intentional, constructive actions. Systems Theory in Leadership Dynamics: The diverse outcomes of each leader’s ambitions can be analyzed through systems theory, which examines how various parts of a system interact to influence the whole. The poem underscores that a leader’s vision (the input) affects not only the immediate social structures but also the broader historical context (the system’s output). Leaders like Gandhi and Hitler serve as nodes within vast networks, where their actions ripple across global systems, influencing not only their immediate environments but also international relations and historical trajectories. Conclusion: The scientific examination of “Echoes of Fate: Leaders, Dreamers, and the Convergence of Time” highlights how leadership, when viewed through the lens of scientific theories such as causality, entropy, and systems theory, plays a critical role in shaping the entropy of societal systems. It offers insights into how individual dreams and actions, much like particles in a physical system, contribute to the broader dynamics of historical change, impacting the entropy and order of human societies. This analysis not only enriches our understanding of historical events but also underscores the profound responsibility that comes with leadership and the pursuit of personal ambitions.

#Day 1 Recap: Exploring Research Paradigms and Introduction to Systematic Reviews* Hi LinkedIn Family!!!!!!! We had an incredible start to our training series on systematic reviews with an engaging Day 1 session. Our focus was on understanding and playing around with various Research Paradigms and diving into the Introduction to Systematic Reviews. 🔍 Research Paradigms: We explored the foundational research paradigms that shape our approach to research: Positivism: We discussed its emphasis on observable, measurable facts and hypothesis testing, and how it guides quantitative research. Interpretivism: We delved into the importance of understanding human experiences and meanings, highlighting its role in qualitative research. Critical Theory: We examined how this paradigm focuses on social change, power dynamics, and addressing inequalities, often using mixed methods. 📚 Introduction to Systematic Reviews: We provided a comprehensive overview of systematic reviews, covering: Definition and Importance: Understanding what systematic reviews are and why they are essential for evidence-based practice. Steps Involved: A step-by-step breakdown of the process, including formulating research questions, developing protocols, conducting comprehensive searches, and synthesizing evidence. The session was filled with lively discussions, practical examples, and interactive activities that helped solidify our understanding of these critical concepts. For those who missed it or would like to revisit the session, the video recording is attached below. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource! https://lnkd.in/dYPpY33i Stay tuned for more insights as we continue our journey into the world of systematic reviews. Looking forward to seeing you all in our upcoming sessions! Best regards, David Team Lead, Centicini Research Team #ResearchParadigms #SystematicReviews #Positivism #Interpretivism #CriticalTheory #EvidenceBasedResearch #HealthcareResearch #TrainingSession #CenticiniResearch

this is a very useful report for anyone interested in evaluation. do have a look!

How heavily do you rely on your #intuition to make decisions? In 2014, a survey conducted by the FORTUNE Knowledge Group uncovered an interesting statistic: the majority of #business executives (62%) find it essential to trust their gut. But how dependable are gut feelings really, and is there a science to them? Indeed, the evidence suggests that our sixth sense is especially reliable when we’re domain experts—even more so than purely relying on logical analysis. On the flip side, the same cannot be said when we lack the relevant expertise. What's even more fascinating is that multiple studies have indicated that our bodies can sense the future and predict the unpredictable. But the exact mechanics of how all this works continue to be a mystery. The answers we’re pointed toward involve quantum biology and a more complex understanding of how time works. Research in these fields is still nascent, so we’ll just have to wait for the puzzle pieces to fit together. What we do know, however, is that our gut feelings can be attributed to the synthesizing of subliminal cues and forgotten expertise—an unconscious intelligence within.

In the verdant expanse of human knowledge, a singular focus on specialized disciplines has yielded unparalleled advancements, yet concurrently, an unforeseen consequence has emerged: the siloed expert, bereft of interdisciplinary acumen. As we navigate the labyrinthine complexities of the 21st century, the imperative to cultivate polymathy assumes paramount importance. In an era where problems transcend disciplinary boundaries, the polymath's versatility proves indispensable. The grand challenges of our time – climate change, pandemics, and technological disruption – demand a symphony of expertise, harmoniously blending the rhythms of science, art, and humanities. The polymath's unique aptitude for synthesis and contextual understanding enables the identification of novel solutions, hidden from the gaze of the specialist. Moreover, the accelerating pace of technological innovation ensures that careers yet unknown will emerge, necessitating adaptability and a broad foundation of knowledge. The polymath's intellectual agility and curiosity facilitate seamless transitions between disciplines, poised to tackle the unforeseen challenges of tomorrow. To cultivate polymathy, educational systems must undergo a paradigmatic shift, emphasizing interdisciplinary exploration and synthesis. By integrating diverse disciplines, students develop a rich tapestry of knowledge, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving prowess. The polymath's toolkit, replete with diverse methodologies and epistemologies, equips them to navigate the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world. In conclusion, the cultivation of polymathy constitutes a clarion call to action, as we navigate the uncharted territories of the 21st century. By embracing the polymathic ideal, we empower individuals to confront the intricate challenges of our time, forge novel solutions, and pioneer careers yet to be imagined. In the words of the venerable Aristotle, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it," – a sentiment that echoes the polymath's boundless curiosity and intellectual versatility. Thus, let us embrace the polymathic spirit, and in doing so, unlock the full potential of human knowledge, creativity, and innovation, as we venture forth into the uncharted expanse of the 21st century. References: - Aristotle. (350 BCE). Metaphysics. - Bloom, A. (1987). The Closing of the American Mind. Simon & Schuster. - Burke, P. (2012). The Polymath: A Cultural History from Leonardo da Vinci to Susan Sontag. Yale University Press. - Kagan, J. (2009). The Three Cultures: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Humanities in the 21st Century. Cambridge University Press. - Snow, C. P. (1959). The Two Cultures. Cambridge University Press.

We are in an 'inter-AI' period - a small window of opportunity to shape how we use AI. Once norms and uses are established it will be hard to reverse course. The time for leaders to act is now. See my article below for more. #AI #leadership