What is Research?

Research is a process of learning about the world through discovery and inquiry. It can involve creating new knowledge, using existing knowledge in new ways, or analyzing previous research. Research can also involve experimentation, observation, and various methods. Nursing research specifically seeks to answer questions or explore healthcare issues. Through the processes of description, exploration, explanation, and prediction of phenomena, nurse researchers work to improve patient outcomes while contributing to the discipline of nursing. (Henry Ford Hospital Nursing Research Toolkit, 2024)

Research can have many goals, including:

Discovering Facts

  • Research can involve investigating and searching exhaustively to discover facts.

Revising Theories

  • Research can involve using new facts to revise accepted theories or laws.

Applying Theories

  • Research can involve applying new or revised theories to practical applications.

Developing Knowledge

  • Research can involve developing or contributing to generalizable knowledge that can expand the knowledge base of a field of study.

Research can involve many steps, including:

  • Identifying a problem
  • Searching for existing information
  • Formulating a hypothesis
  • Designing a study
  • Recruiting participants
  • Collecting data
  • Analyzing data
  • Sharing results
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