Lecture 1

Question 1

Impact =

Answer 1

= interesting x important

Question 2

interesting =

Answer 2

Unexpected

Question 3

Unexpected should be judged relative to…

Answer 3

what is assumed to be true given the current literature.

Question 4

important =

Answer 4

finds a result and as a question that is of significance, one of broad generality, applicability, or usefulness - is of interest to as broad a set of people as possible

Question 5

trap of specificity =

Answer 5

When the context becomes too central for a result, it is not likely to have the breadth needed for importance.

Question 6

Why can’t we have a perfect answer when the question is broad?

Answer 6

Becasue of the trade-off: most interesting questions cannot be answered with a high degree of precision.If you want a perfect answer, then ask a very narrow question. But doing so sacrifices importance, therefore impact.

Question 7

Accountign reseach has three categories…

Answer 7

Mainstream/traditional accounting studies
Interpretive/ problematizing accounting studies
Critical accounting studies

Question 8

Explain, Mainstream/Traditional Accounting Research

Answer 8

Mainstream (Traditional) Accounting Research focuses on objectivity, measurement, and efficiency. It treats accounting as a neutral science aimed at improving decision-making through financial data. Researchers in this area rely on quantitative methods, emphasizing performance metrics, risk assessment, and financial reporting accuracy.

Question 9

Explain Interpretive/ problematizing accounting studies

Answer 9

Interpretive Accounting Research takes a social and cultural perspective, studying how accounting practices are shaped by human behaviour, organizational culture, and historical context. Instead of seeing accounting as purely technical, it examines how different groups interpret financial information and how accounting influences everyday decision-making.

Question 10

Explain Critical accounting studies

Answer 10

Critical Accounting Studies go further by questioning power, inequality, and control in accounting. This perspective argues that accounting systems reinforce societal structures, benefiting some groups while disadvantaging others. Critical researchers analyse how accounting is used for governance, corporate influence, and social regulation, often advocating for change in accounting practices to make them more transparent and fair.