The reason for teaching research methods is a love of the truth. The truth about some matter whether an applied or a theoretical issue is what motivates researchers and program evaluators. Here are some comments about searching for the truth that encourage me when I question whether people care more about the X-Files than truth.
Truth is the basis of our common world.
If history ever ceases to be the pursuit of truth, then it will in time become nothing more than self-regarding sentimentalism, which in turn masks sheer will to power, and the war of all against all. Romano Guardini, 1984. Blaise Pascal, Pensees , No. 739. If we do not love the truth, we will not seek it. If we do not seek it, we will not find it.