Research

The Practicality of Research

What research is not:

• Research is not mere information gathering

• Research I not mere transformation of fact from one location to another

• Research is not merely rummaging for information

• Research is not a catch word to get attention

2

Definition

• A systematic process of:• Collecting,

• Analyzing, and

• Interpreting information

• In order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are interested or concerned

3

Importance of research

• For licensed professionals:• To ensure that health, safety, and welfare of man.

4

Important terms

Peer-review Fact Hypothesis

Journals Opinion Assumption

Magazines Hearsay Theory

Gray literature Myth Manifesto

Dogma

5

Characteristics of research

1. It originates with a question or problem

2. It requires clear articulation of a goal

3. It requires a specific plan for processing

4. It usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems

5. It is guided by the specific problem, question, or hypothesis

6. It accepts critical assumptions

7. It requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem that initiated the research

8. By its nature, it is cyclical or helical

6

Research time management

Theory5%

Define research18%

Find, read, and evaluate literature

32%

Design & implement study

method18%

Combine, discuss & apply results

27%

7