Data from: Theoretical and empirical perspectives in ecology and evolution: a survey

Scientific research is often conceptually divided into empirical and theoretical approaches, and researchers often specialize as empiricists or theorists. Both approaches are essential to scientific progress, but interactions between the two groups have at times seemed problematic. I present results from a recent survey of 614 scientists (predominantly ecologists and evolutionary biologists) regarding interactions between theoretical and empirical work. Some overall themes emerged from these results. One theme is a widespread and mutual lack of trust, understanding, and interaction between empiricists and theorists. Another is a general desire, among almost all of the respondents, for greater understanding, more collaboration, and closer interactions between empirical and theoretical work. The final theme is that institutions, such as journals, funding agencies, and universities, are often seen as hindering such interactions. These results provide a clear mandate for institutional changes to improve interactions between theorists and empiricists in ecology and evolutionary biology.

科学研究通常在概念层面被划分为实证研究与理论研究两大路径，研究者也往往会以实证研究者（empiricist）或理论研究者（theorist）的身份开展专业化研究。两类研究路径对于科学进步均不可或缺，但二者群体间的互动有时却存在困境。本文呈现了一项针对614名科学家（主要为生态学家与进化生物学家）的最新调研结果，调研内容围绕理论研究与实证研究之间的互动展开。从本次调研结果中可提炼出三项核心主题：其一，实证研究者与理论研究者之间普遍存在双向的信任缺失、认知隔阂与互动不足；其二，几乎所有受访对象均期望能够增进双方的相互理解、深化合作并推动实证与理论研究间的更紧密互动；其三，期刊、资助机构与高校等各类学术机构，往往被视为阻碍此类互动的重要因素。本调研结果为推动生态与进化生物学领域内理论研究者与实证研究者间的良性互动，提供了明确的制度改革指引。