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On Successful Research

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  • James Ohlson

Abstract

This paper discusses what I believe a researcher ought to keep in mind when he/she tries to find a research topic and assesses the probability of success. In this context I think of success as a paper that becomes known over time and, generally, extensively cited. My discussion will lay out some useful 'pointers'. I will also try to provide something resembling a 'proof in the pudding' by listing a number of specific research topics, each of which can be spelled out in a few sentences. My aim is to persuade the reader that research topics can rely on straightforward ideas as opposed to a specific set of antecedent papers. In this respect, I argue that the best research questions derive from an acute sense of how the world works as opposed to more or less stylized 'theories' originating in academia.

Suggested Citation

  • James Ohlson, 2011. "On Successful Research," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 7-26.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:euract:v:20:y:2011:i:1:p:7-26
    DOI: 10.1080/09638180.2011.559334
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heckman, James J, 1978. "Dummy Endogenous Variables in a Simultaneous Equation System," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 46(4), pages 931-959, July.
    2. Jones, Jj, 1991. "Earnings Management During Import Relief Investigations," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 193-228.
    3. Ball, R & Brown, P, 1968. "Empirical Evaluation Of Accounting Income Numbers," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 6(2), pages 159-178.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salvador Carmona, 2011. "In Pursuance of Successful Research," European Accounting Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(1), pages 1-5.

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