Well, positivist research is certainly not worthless, nor is any mode of scholarly inquiry. If we close the doors on any particular methodology, we might as well just give up and go home. Who can say what new permutation of contemporary and past methodology will yield new insight on what we do or say. I prefer scholarship . Scholarship is the broader term which reflects inquiry into one's field.
Research is probably a narrower kind of inquiry.
For example, a piece of music composition is acceptable as a 'thesis' in a music faculty. A work of fiction represents another dimension. We need to foster critical scholarship in our field and create a dialogue, even a multilogue of contemporary thought. Second, a good scholarly paper will be written so that it can be read at any level, yet is careful and thoughtful and distinguished. Postmodernists are particular villains in this regard, but anyone who writes in a private jargonistic tone intended only for the 'best and the brightest' will have minimal impact.