I have been wondering what to do with the following diagram. It depicts how our thinking must be given different forms in order to test our ideas. In my experience, students collect data and perform statistical tests without considering carefully what they are really doing. They often follow what somebody else has done successfully, confident that ‘if it worked for them, it’ll work for me’. In brief (and often without realising it), they begin with an idea, turn it into a numerical model upon which numerical/statistical tests can be performed and then convert back into terms applicable to the original idea. This is what this diagram portrays.
My liking for this diagram comes from its similarity to a diagram I came across as a student. Instead of 20 detailed steps, it gave the four corner of a square. The problem was how to go from a research question Q to its answer A in the absence of a direct path between them? Both Q and A take a verbal form. The solution was to convert the verbal question Q into a numerical form Q’ upon which statistical tests could be performed so as to reach answer A’. That answer, also being in a numerical form, was simply converted back into a verbal form: the answer A. Thus, we can go from Q to A indirectly via Q’ and A’.
I should apologise if I infringe anybody’s copyright by reproducing the top diagram. If I ever had a note about the source of this diagram, I have lost it. I have tried to find the source; I have even tried Google Lens - but to no avail.
I am somebody, the copyright of whose work has been ‘violated’ on more than one occasion. (For example, see my Anatomical Wordbook at Anna's Archive. The copy at Open Library/Internet Archive seems to be no longer available.) I do not mind. I want to share my thought as freely as possible. (Hence my website: ~sjlewis.)
