Definition of research, its characteristics, the peer-review process and useful terms.

1. Research
The Practicality of Research

2. 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
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3. 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
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4. Importance of research
• For licensed professionals:
• To ensure that health, safety, and welfare of man.
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5. Important terms
Peer-review Fact Hypothesis
Journals Opinion Assumption
Magazines Hearsay Theory
Gray literature Myth Manifesto
Dogma
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6. 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
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7. Research time management
Theory
5%
Define research
18%
Find, read, and
evaluate
literature
32%
Combine, discuss
& apply results
27%
Design &
implement study
method
18%
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