Why work with researchers?

Researchers have a curiosity to investigate. They gather information to help increase our knowledge and develop evidence around a particular question or topic.

Trained researchers are highly skilled in shaping the central issue that you may want to investigate and identifying a clear question to drive the research

How researchers can help shape your research question with you?

This diagram outlines how the research process works:

What do good research questions look like?

A good research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out and gives your work a clear focus and purpose. All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant

Does the answer exist?

Part of the process of research is ensuring that the question posed or the research area has not been investigated previously – or if it has, that the research team has a thorough understanding of the outcome of any other similar research projects that may inform and shape a new area of focus.

If there has been work already undertaken on a particular area of research it can still be hugely valuable for the research team to gather and analyse previous findings to help shape new answers/ways of working for your care home.

For example, look how the team summarised existing research for Springfield staff interested in promoting meaningful activities with residents

If after a literature review there is little evidence available to answer the research question the team may refine the area of research, identify funding, and apply to try  to find out more.

For example, our initial work on promoting oral health in Westward care residents has led to a bid to undertake more extensive research and increase the evidence for care homes.