Following a Hunch as a Researcher

A researcher must be thorough, painstaking, and disciplined, but also willing to suspend these qualities in order to follow a hunch.
Describe a specific situation in which it might be better for a researcher to follow a hunch. Discuss what you think determines whether a researcher should be disciplined or follow a hunch.
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In American high schools, students are introduced to research methods in science classes. These guidelines encourage them to solve problems in an objective, disciplined manner--as opposed to a random, unfocused study of subjects. However, as a student advances in his scientific career, he realizes that creative solutions to solving research questions may involve following one's intuition and stepping outside the boundaries of the common methodology. Following one's hunch to arrive at a solution can be applied not only to academic research but to problems in the real world.

There is merit in following established methodology in conducting research. An array of scientists throughout time have established best practices for what works in the laboratory. Their experience and guidelines help move forward the research of today's scientists. Indeed, applying lessons from the past entails discipline and thorough examination of the question at hand. In particular, the trusted "scientific method"--a template of inquiry involving systematic observation, hypothesis, experiments, etc.--has been used by researchers for hundreds of years to solve various questions.

The scientific method has served as a general guideline for going about research but it is a fluid process; sometimes luck and hunches play significant roles in new discoveries. That is, use of the creative mind allows a researcher to go where no other has gone before. Merely following the exact paths taken in the past will not allow the researcher to come upon a new discovery. This statement can be applied to other areas of life where taking great risks may result in greater outcomes (or if unlucky, a worse outcome). Following a hunch and veering off a common path may result in some ridicule from peer researchers but there may be a chance to stumble upon a new discovery.


Indeed, successful researchers do not limit themselves to proven methodologies. Of course, they have mastered what is known as the best practices and have proven to be disciplined and painstaking in their research. However, they possess an entrepreneurial spirit in that they are not afraid to follow their intuition and follow a path toward new discoveries.