From the desk of Editor

Volume 11 Issues 2 February, 2021

Changing research paradigm

The clouds of the COVID-19 pandemic seem to be settling with the advent of various vaccines against the coronavirus. World is looking ahead with optimism and a sense of normalcy seems to be prevailing once again. Nevertheless, the sediments of the COVID-19 pandemic would take time and perhaps keep reminding us of the fragility of life on earth. We quickly adapted to newer ways and some of them now qualify as the newly set norm as part and parcel of our lives. One of the most drastic changes observed during a pandemic is the trends in research methodology. It seems that the number of publications has increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic with the rapid adaptation to online research tools such as a web-based surveys. No doubt online research tools have strategic advantages in the stringent
condition of a lockdown, wherein the other research methodologies are rendered unfeasible. The online survey is quick and cost-effective which makes it the preferred choice for most health and social scientists. The pressing condition of a
pandemic demands quicker processing of information relevant to the general public. Hence, most of the COVID-19 related research was exempted from the usual ethical research approval and thus institutes processed articles at a faster rate. Several journals, likewise, published COVID-19 related special issues to bridge the gap of COVID-19 related information. The culture of preprint and faster peer review also has contributed to the inflation of publications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More so, the government diverted or withheld research funds due to economic slowdown and encouraged research relevant to public safety and the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of lack of funds most social and behavioral scientists turned to use a much cheaper and quicker way of research, which is another reason why online survey tools have flourished. Unlike physical survey, online survey tools capture a wider population and are sophisticated to reach marginalized populations such as LGBT and commercial sex workers. Apart from all these advantages, there are downfalls too. Online surveys attract various errors such as unequal coverage due to the uneven distribution of internet availability and accessibility. There is always the possibility of duplication and keeping the anonymity of an individual is a challenge. Researchers need to be upgraded in their technical knowledge and skills to carry out online research effectively while maintaining ethical standards.