Discrimination of Research Object in Academic Papers

Abstract

By mainly employing the literature review method, this study analyzes the research objects in academic papers. The results indicate that, unlike the meanings in academic disciplines (or courses) or in the process of solving physics problems, the use of the term “research object” in academic papers exhibits the following characteristics: (1) Except in medical papers — where the term is clearly defined (primarily referring to humans and animals) — in general academic papers and in some research methods textbooks the term is commonly used without a strict definition, seemingly established by convention. (2) Although there is occasional mixing with terms related to samples (such as sampling groups and observation objects), the research object is generally considered relative to the overall population. (3) Differences in the limitations or focal points of the research content may lead to changes in the research object. (4) In social research methods, the unit of analysis replaces the research object and can express the complex meaning of the research object more accurately. (5) A lack of clear understanding of the research object may lead to “elevation errors” and “degradation errors” in research.