Introduction to research

These are some of the foundational aspects of research that are helpful for consumers to know before becoming involved in research.

The research cycle

Research is a continuous loop of learning and improving.

Research follows a process which is known as the research cycle. The research cycle shows the key steps that researchers follow when carrying out a study. Consumers can be involved in each step of the research cycle.

	Step of the research cycle	Consumer involvement
1.	Deciding what to research	Consumers can help choose topics that are important to them and the community.
2.	Deciding how to do it	Consumers can help by making sure research plans are doable. At this step consumers can help write or comment on funding applications or project information.
3.	Doing it	Consumers can help in various ways during this step. This might involve helping collect information and sharing their thoughts during the evaluation of information.
4.	Letting people know the results	Consumers can help share the research findings with others by helping make information readable or talking to others about the research.
5.	Knowing what to research next	Consumers can be involved in a follow on project.

Types of research

Clinical Trials: Investigates the effectiveness and safety of new treatments, drugs or interventions.

Quantitative research: Collects information that can be measured or counted, like numbers.

Qualitative research: Explores are understands peoples perspectives.

Mixed Methods: “mixing” both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem.

Review: Brings together results of studies around the world. The goal is to understand current research and find gaps that need research.

Ethics

When researchers do studies on people or use their information, they need approval from a group called the Human Research Ethics Committee. The committee checks everything is done in a fair and right way.

For most research projects, participants need to sign a consent form which shows they understand and want to participate in research.

Consumer/community members can get involved in this step by sharing thoughts on the protocol application and consent forms.