Who Can Be A Researcher? | Merle Massie | TEDxUniversityofSaskatchewan

TL;DR

Research should be an inclusive action, not an exclusive label.

Transcript

Read and summarize the transcript of this video on Glasp Reader (beta).

Key Insights

• Research is traditionally seen as elite and exclusive, but this perception can exclude potential researchers who don't fit the 'elite' mold.
• The original meaning of research, 'go seek,' emphasizes action and exploration rather than simply finding answers.
• Discovery can occur at any point in the research journey, and even beginners can contribute valuable insights.
• Research is a personal and individual pursuit, with each person's unique perspective adding value to the field.
• Imposter syndrome is prevalent in academic settings, often due to the gap between personal identity and the elite concept of research.
• By redefining research as an inclusive action, we can expand the community of researchers across disciplines and beyond academia.
• Encouraging plain language communication in research helps break down barriers and fosters a more inclusive research community.
• Viewing research as an action word can help more people see themselves as researchers, fostering a more diverse culture of inquiry.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Merle Massie believe research has a branding problem?

Merle Massie believes research has a branding problem because it is often perceived as an elite and exclusive activity. This perception can deter individuals who do not see themselves as part of this 'elite' group from engaging in research. By redefining research as an inclusive action, Massie hopes to broaden participation and make research more accessible to a diverse range of individuals.

Q: How does Massie propose to redefine the concept of research?

Massie proposes redefining research by returning to its original meaning, 'go seek,' emphasizing it as an action rather than an endpoint. This redefinition focuses on exploration, discovery, and the journey of seeking knowledge, rather than simply finding answers. By doing so, she aims to make research more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience, encouraging more people to see themselves as researchers.

Q: What role does individual perspective play in research, according to Massie?

According to Massie, individual perspective plays a crucial role in research because each person's unique background and way of thinking can contribute valuable insights and ideas. This diversity of thought enriches the research process and can lead to new discoveries and understandings. Massie emphasizes the importance of celebrating this individuality and recognizing the value of diverse contributions in research.

Q: How does Massie address the issue of imposter syndrome in academia?

Massie addresses imposter syndrome by highlighting the gap between personal identity and the elite concept of research. She suggests that redefining research as an inclusive action can help bridge this gap, allowing individuals to see their unique perspectives as valuable contributions to the research community. By doing so, she hopes to reduce feelings of inadequacy and help individuals feel more confident in their roles as researchers.

Q: What does Massie believe will happen if research is redefined as 'go seek'?

Massie believes that redefining research as 'go seek' will lead to several positive outcomes: discovery can happen at any point in the journey, individual contributions will be celebrated, imposter syndrome will be reduced, and the research community will expand across disciplines and beyond academia. This redefinition encourages a more inclusive and diverse culture of research, where more people feel welcome to participate.

Q: How does Massie suggest breaking down barriers between academic disciplines?

Massie suggests breaking down barriers between academic disciplines by fostering communication and collaboration through plain language and inclusive practices. She emphasizes the importance of listening and engaging with others on an equal level, regardless of their background or discipline. By encouraging open dialogue and sharing of ideas, Massie believes that the research community can become more interconnected and collaborative.

Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'go seek' in Massie's talk?

The phrase 'go seek' is significant in Massie's talk because it represents a shift in how research is perceived. Rather than viewing research as a static, exclusive activity, 'go seek' emphasizes action, exploration, and the journey of discovery. This redefinition encourages individuals to actively engage in the research process, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic research community where diverse perspectives are valued.

Q: What impact does Massie hope to achieve by redefining research?

Massie hopes to achieve a more inclusive and diverse research culture by redefining research as an action rather than an exclusive label. She aims to encourage more individuals to see themselves as researchers, regardless of their background or experience. By doing so, Massie envisions a research community that is enriched by diverse perspectives, leading to new discoveries and a more vibrant culture of inquiry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Merle Massie argues that research should be redefined from an exclusive, elite activity to an inclusive action, where anyone can participate. She emphasizes the original meaning of research as 'go seek,' highlighting the importance of exploration and discovery over simply finding answers.

• Massie discusses the personal and individual nature of research, noting that each person's unique perspective can contribute valuable insights. By embracing this diversity, the academic community can address problems like imposter syndrome and expand the community of researchers.

• The talk encourages breaking down academic silos and fostering communication across disciplines through plain language and inclusive practices. By redefining research as an action, more people can see themselves as researchers, contributing to a richer culture of inquiry.