Is there such a thing as "too much research", or "over- researching" a specific area/topic? What can be the consequences or benefits (if any)? Will we reach a point of research fatigue?
Your thoughts are welcome.
While research is an essential tool for advancing knowledge and understanding, it is also possible to overdo it. Researchers must strike a balance between exploring a topic in-depth and avoiding research fatigue, and should carefully consider the potential benefits and costs of conducting extensive research in a specific area.
If you are doing a dissertation (?) literature review (?), the reason for a narrow research question is to specifically create boundaries with regard to what literature you will explore. As a student researcher in particular, you must also consider the time available for this work. Further, universities often want students to use primarily the most recent material, assuming published authors have reviewed past material. I find meta-analyses helpful in that regard. That said, some universities want 'saturation'... when you find that you are reading material that cites authors you've already read, you've most likely made a fairly complete circuit of the available literature on your topic. All of these parameters help minimize the likelihood of over-researching a topic, but reaching saturation certainly can be exhaustive. I would suggest the key to avoiding that is a sufficiently narrow and unique research topic.
Thank you Stephanie D Galindo . Your insights are very valuable. It is of particular assistance to emerging researchers. Hence thank you for explaining it from that angle/aspect as well. Best wishes.
In my opinion, research is evolutionary, transforming so 'research fatigue', or 'too much research' is dependent on the research gap. My concern is the logical or pragmatic outcome of any research topic findings and it use to positively impact or change society, organizations, and the world.
Thank you Anrusha Bhana , the evolutionary nature of a research area/topic can inform the need for ongoing research in that specific area. Yes, I am of the opinion that research is of minimal value if it cannot be applied pragmatically.
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