On Objectivity and Reproducibility in Researchers for Practitoners

Abstract

Against the current lionization of objectivity and reproducibility in experimental studies with strong pedagogical implications for practitioners in ELT fields, this study critically examines the two concepts. Objectivity is divided into monothetic and pluralistic. The monothetic is examined from the viewpoints of transcendent and numerical objectivities, and the pluralistic from 'Wirklichkeit' and 'second-order observation.’ I argue that studies with strong pedagogical implications should be based on pluralistic objectivity. I also criticize the pursuit of reproducibility because it results in categorical neglect of specific and transient factors of practical situations and in controlling practitioners from a distance. I argue that complexity and self-reference must be theoretically recognized, instead.