?? InSPiR2eS Thought of the Week #11: Harnessing Phantom Issues in Research ... A Hidden Superpower for Novice Researchers

?? Ever heard of a "phantom issue"? It sounds elusive, even a bit spooky, but in the scientific research process, these "phantoms"—hidden concerns, hypothetical risks, or conceptual thought experiments—can be powerful tools. For novice researchers, they offer a way to think deeper, plan better, and even ignite creativity. Let’s dive into how phantom issues can elevate your research journey!

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1. Surfacing Hidden Assumptions ???♀?

Phantom issues often lurk as implicit assumptions buried deep within your research design. These assumptions might seem harmless but can undermine your work if left unexamined.

Example: When investigating the impact of education on economic growth, there might be a phantom assumption that all education systems are equally effective—this might not hold true!

? Tip: Use phantom issues to question your assumptions. What are you not questioning that could bias your outcomes?

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2. Planning for Phantom Risks ??

Imagine a phantom risk: a negative outcome you don’t expect but could realistically occur. Addressing this in advance not only builds rigor into your project but also aligns with the Faff’s (2024, SSRN) PRF’s emphasis on managing uncertainties (Item (K) “Other Considerations).

Example: What if your findings are not statistically significant? A "natural hedge" in research design ensures your project delivers insights, regardless of the results.

? Tip: Always ask, "What could go wrong?" and have a plan for turning unexpected outcomes into meaningful contributions.

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3. Boosting Creative Thinking ??

Phantom concepts are powerful for "what if" thinking—posing counterfactuals or thought experiments that challenge existing norms.

Example: A biologist might imagine a "phantom" organism that thrives in extreme conditions to explore gaps in ecological theory.

? Tip: Use phantoms to push boundaries. What’s the wildest version of your research question? Explore it!

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4. Spotting Underexplored Areas ??

Phantom issues often point to gaps in knowledge, making them ideal for identifying underexplored research areas.

Example: In finance, the phantom concept of "irrational markets" led to behavioral finance—a field that challenges traditional models of rationality.

? Tip: Look for where your discipline struggles to explain observations. These "phantoms" might just lead to your breakthrough idea! Sometimes it might feel like asking the “dumb” question! ... but with good reason

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5. Training for Critical Thinking ??

For early-career researchers, phantom issues are invaluable for learning to spot weaknesses in research design. They’re also great teaching tools!

Example: In a workshop, a mentor might introduce a phantom hypothesis that is flawed by design to help you learn to critique and improve methodologies.

? Tip: Practice spotting phantom flaws in other researchers’ work—it sharpens your own skills!

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6. Safeguarding Ethical Dimensions ??

In Responsible Science (Faff, 2021, SSRN), phantom concerns can help anticipate the moral implications of your work.

Example: A data scientist might imagine a phantom scenario where their algorithm inadvertently and unfairly discriminates against certain groups. Exploring this prepares them to design fairer systems.

? Tip: Think about phantom harms before they become real-world problems. This aligns with the ethos of Responsible Science.

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7. Navigating the "Unknown Unknowns" ??

Phantom issues also represent the "unknown unknowns"—things we don’t even realize we don’t know. Acknowledging these can foster humility and openness.

Example: In robotic science, a phantom issue could be an unforeseen tipping point not captured in current models. Addressing these ensures a more robust approach.

? Tip: Keep a space in your research plan for surprises. The unknown is part of the journey!

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8. Placebo Analysis as a Phantom Tool ??

Placebo analysis is a practical example of a phantom approach in action. It tests your hypothesis in scenarios where no effect should logically occur, helping uncover hidden biases or spurious patterns.

Example: A policy researcher might apply an intervention timeline to a period before the intervention actually happened. If the results still show an effect, it signals a potential flaw in the model.

? Tip: Use placebo tests to validate your findings. Ask, “What would I expect to see if nothing had actually changed?” This ensures robustness and aligns with Responsible Science.

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Why Phantom Issues Matter for Novices

For new researchers, phantom issues can feel overwhelming, but they’re a superpower in disguise. They help you:

? Think Critically: Questioning assumptions and risks builds rigor.

? Plan Strategically: Addressing the unexpected improves resilience.

? Explore Creatively: Counterfactuals and gaps spark innovation.

? Embrace Responsibility: Ethical foresight makes your work impactful.

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Phantom Issues in Action: A Quick Exercise ???

?? Imagine a phantom concern in your current research project.

1? Write it down.

2? Ask: How could this affect my research?

3? Plan: What can I do now to address it?

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SO: in research, phantoms aren’t things to fear—they’re opportunities to learn, innovate, and prepare. So next time you feel a "phantom" tugging at your thoughts, don’t dismiss it. Engage with it. You might just discover your next breakthrough!

?? Have a phantom issue you’ve tackled? Share your story in the comments!

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?? #ResponsibleScience #ResearchTraining #NoviceResearchers #PhantomIssues

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Acknowledgement: This post was substantially assisted by the help of ChatGPT!