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可划分为实证研究路径与理论研究路径两类，科研人员也往往会专精于其中一类方向，成为实证研究者（empiricist）或理论研究者（theorist）。两类研究路径对于科学进步均不可或缺，但这两类研究者群体间的互动却时常存在不畅之处。本文呈现了一项针对614名科研人员开展的最新调研结果，受访对象以生态学家与进化生物学家为主，调研内容围绕理论研究与实证研究间的互动展开。调研结果提炼出了三大核心主题：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、认知隔阂与互动匮乏问题；其二，几乎所有受访对象均期待能够增进双方的认知理解、深化协作并强化实证研究与理论研究间的紧密互动；其三，学术期刊、资助机构与高校等各类科研制度性平台，往往会对上述互动形成阻碍。上述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的互动优化，提供了明确的制度改革依据。