AUSTIN, Texas — Researchers at the University of Texas – Austin have completed a study that made some interesting discoveries about itself, according to a press release from the school.
“Most studies seek out to find or discover something specific about the world,” said researcher Liz Kelman. “But our study really started producing results when we took a step back and thought, ‘What are we doing this whole rat race for, anyway?’”
The study, conducted over many years, reportedly overcame many mistakes to find some valuable lessons along the way.
“When we first started, we were hoping there would be some major breakthrough, and the study would finally produce everything we wanted,” admitted Wilma Rodrick, one of the study’s statisticians. “But then we realized — there isn’t going to be some grand revelation; the lesson is the journey. We just have to take small revelations little by little, and by the end, we’ll find something good.”
Researchers were proud of how the study grew over time, successfully determining other studies with which to potentially partner, as well as how to take criticism constructively.
“We used to put so much importance on which research we’d spend the rest of our study with,” said Kelman. “Then we realized that if we just enjoy the study and let it happen, maybe, someday, we’d find another study to work with. But if we don’t, we’ll be okay with that, too.”
“Our study concluded it can sometimes take feedback from the wrong people,” added Richard Ronsetter, a PhD candidate who led late-stage analytics. “Learning whose feedback is actually constructive has made this study stronger than ever. Sometimes, the study is it’s own worst critic, and the only thing standing in the way of the study is the study. Pretty remarkable stuff.”
The study concluded with a report detailing how it can accept itself for what it is, while still seeking to be better every day.
“One of our biggest findings was that, as long as we were trying, we can get a lot further than we ever thought we could,” concluded Kelman. “It’s certainly something the study had to learn the hard way… but, honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The researchers have announced additional plans to further the study, which will include some time off for a backpacking trip across Europe.