Are representative samples ever representative of the rest of the population that is under survey? My readings tend to make sweeping statements about so many things simply because their subjects are representative of the population that is being researched on. The irony is that they tell us how they also take into account individual differences. “Individual” means that each of us differs in different ways so how can we reach general conclusions about a certain group of people? I don't think that their findings should be the mouthpiece of that group of people for it would be unfair. I find it ridiculous when researchers say that boys perceive reading and writing as a feminized practice, based on their research. Different cultures inculcate different values about literacy. How can we generalize based on the feedback received from a bunch of mischievous school kids? Are they even mature enough to provide answers? Sometimes, I think that findings based on research done on asking kids for their opinions are not credible enough because these kids are not old enough to reflect and think carefully about what they want to say before shooting their answers. There is also the perception of authority and politically correct answers which kids would definitely give to an adult stranger for fear of being punished for saying the wrong things. I am glad that I am given articles which are highly controversial because it means that I have more to write in my assignments.

Research is done to improve current conditions, or so they say. I think that research is just part of the wild goose chase. You conduct your own research because you want to prove something and disprove others' findings. Meanwhile, other people will try so hard to disprove your own research and prove theirs. I suspect that their main aim is to popularize their own ideas, and not to improve current conditions which they claim. At the end of the day, this quest is just a wild goose chase because there is no single right or wrong answer. We cannot and should not absolutely refute others' findings as there is always a grain of truth in their research and just as much as we hate to be disproved in our work, others would certainly dislike their own work to be rejected. At this rate that I am criticizing others' works, I should be ashamed of not practising what I have just preached. I suppose I am just so tired of encountering controversial research that I try to give them some credit while the other part of me needs to criticize for the sake of grades.