Unit 22: Research Methodology P1 Daniel Trew
P1: Explain the function of research in health and social care
Research is the process of which information would be collected in a systematic way
and then it is thoroughly analysed and then reported in whatever way necessary.
The aim to carry out research is to extend knowledge and understanding in the
topic that needs to be researched. It is also important in improving practise and
reflection in different health and social care settings. For example research is being
carried out everyday to try and further our knowledge and make advancements in
areas such as health care and medicine.
There are different factors which distinguish between different types on research.
Two of the main factors are whether the research is ‘qualitive’ or ‘quantitative’
research and ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ research. Qualitive research is whenever
data is collected and it is rich in important detail however difficult to carry our
calculations on. Quantitative research is data that is not rich in much detail however
it produces data that statistical calculations can be carried out on. Primary research
is first-hand research carried out by the researchers themselves. They use their own
designs to collect the required primary data. They are able to identify the need of
the research and then carry it out to extend their knowledge. Secondary research is
whenever research has been carried out by others and then the resulting secondary
data is used by other researchers to support their hypothesis when carrying out
further primary research.
Research is often organised- researchers have to make sure that it is always done in
a specific set of steps in order for the research to be carried out successfully and
fairly- no bias. Objective research is whenever facts given from individuals involved
must not have been influenced in any way or else the findings that they have are
inconclusive. Lastly, reliable research is whenever researchers produce the findings
in some sort of database that will statistically show the information or findings in a set
out way.
The first function of research is identifying the purpose of where research is most
needed to fill gaps that may be present in certain areas. An example of this may be if
a provider needs information about a certain community to determine if there is a
need in this community before implementing different services for different users.
Another function of research is highlighting gaps in any provision and where it
would lack any information or validity. It could even be if it needs a bit more attention
in order to fix whatever it needs to make improvements. An example of gaps in
health care provisions is the mental health sector. It has very apparent gaps in it.
These gaps where shown through a questionnaire and collecting information which
was done in order to find out why the provision was lacking and what improvements
could be made. The research that was carried out found out that it was lacking in
public awareness and that the public should speak out if they are struggling with their
mental health.
The last function of research is planning provision. Once the gaps in provision
have been identified and highlighted then the researchers start to plan how they will
begin to correct these gaps. Going back to the last example given, once the research
P1: Explain the function of research in health and social care
Research is the process of which information would be collected in a systematic way
and then it is thoroughly analysed and then reported in whatever way necessary.
The aim to carry out research is to extend knowledge and understanding in the
topic that needs to be researched. It is also important in improving practise and
reflection in different health and social care settings. For example research is being
carried out everyday to try and further our knowledge and make advancements in
areas such as health care and medicine.
There are different factors which distinguish between different types on research.
Two of the main factors are whether the research is ‘qualitive’ or ‘quantitative’
research and ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ research. Qualitive research is whenever
data is collected and it is rich in important detail however difficult to carry our
calculations on. Quantitative research is data that is not rich in much detail however
it produces data that statistical calculations can be carried out on. Primary research
is first-hand research carried out by the researchers themselves. They use their own
designs to collect the required primary data. They are able to identify the need of
the research and then carry it out to extend their knowledge. Secondary research is
whenever research has been carried out by others and then the resulting secondary
data is used by other researchers to support their hypothesis when carrying out
further primary research.
Research is often organised- researchers have to make sure that it is always done in
a specific set of steps in order for the research to be carried out successfully and
fairly- no bias. Objective research is whenever facts given from individuals involved
must not have been influenced in any way or else the findings that they have are
inconclusive. Lastly, reliable research is whenever researchers produce the findings
in some sort of database that will statistically show the information or findings in a set
out way.
The first function of research is identifying the purpose of where research is most
needed to fill gaps that may be present in certain areas. An example of this may be if
a provider needs information about a certain community to determine if there is a
need in this community before implementing different services for different users.
Another function of research is highlighting gaps in any provision and where it
would lack any information or validity. It could even be if it needs a bit more attention
in order to fix whatever it needs to make improvements. An example of gaps in
health care provisions is the mental health sector. It has very apparent gaps in it.
These gaps where shown through a questionnaire and collecting information which
was done in order to find out why the provision was lacking and what improvements
could be made. The research that was carried out found out that it was lacking in
public awareness and that the public should speak out if they are struggling with their
mental health.
The last function of research is planning provision. Once the gaps in provision
have been identified and highlighted then the researchers start to plan how they will
begin to correct these gaps. Going back to the last example given, once the research
