Why is research often criticised as being too politically driven or that studies are self-serving?
This is indeed a difficult question to answer. Of course most researchers are anxious both to understand issues and to advance their own research careers. It is doubtful that a political agenda would be helpful in either of these goals. The results of research can get tied up in issues that are political in the sense that they involve values about what it is important to teach and learn. Researchers should recognize that on these issues they may not have any special insight, although, of course, they can express their views just as other citizens do.
