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Can Quantitative Research Solve Social Problems? Pragmatism and the Ethics of Social Research

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  • Thomas C. Powell

    (Said Business School, University of Oxford)

Abstract

Journal of Business Ethics recently published a critique of ethical practices in quantitative research by Zyphur and Pierides (J Bus Ethics 143:1–16, 2017). The authors argued that quantitative research prevents researchers from addressing urgent problems facing humanity today, such as poverty, racial inequality, and climate change. I offer comments and observations on the authors’ critique. I agree with the authors in many areas of philosophy, ethics, and social research, while making suggestions for clarification and development. Interpreting the paper through the pragmatism of William James, I suggest that the authors’ arguments are unlikely to change attitudes in traditional quantitative research, though they may point the way to a new worldview, or Jamesian “sub-world,” in social research.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas C. Powell, 2020. "Can Quantitative Research Solve Social Problems? Pragmatism and the Ethics of Social Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(1), pages 41-48, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04196-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04196-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas C. Powell, 2001. "Competitive advantage: logical and philosophical considerations," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 22(9), pages 875-888, September.
    2. Andreas Schwab & Eric Abrahamson & William H. Starbuck & Fiona Fidler, 2011. "PERSPECTIVE---Researchers Should Make Thoughtful Assessments Instead of Null-Hypothesis Significance Tests," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(4), pages 1105-1120, August.
    3. Michael J. Zyphur & Dean C. Pierides, 2017. "Is Quantitative Research Ethical? Tools for Ethically Practicing, Evaluating, and Using Quantitative Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 143(1), pages 1-16, June.
    4. Thomas C. Powell, 2003. "Strategy without ontology," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 285-291, March.
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