There are copious amounts of research to be found in journals, on the internet, in magazines etc. We live in a world where everything has to be studied, validated and published, even subjects such as what ‘makes us happy’ and ‘women are smarter than men’. Why is all this necessary when some

answers are obvious and common sense.

I found this piece from Action for M.E and thought it might help clarify exactly what it means to be ‘researched’.

 

 

The Nature and Process of Research.

 

Research is the systemic acquisition of knowledge towards a better understanding of an issue. Based on existing knowledge, a ‘hypothesis’ (theory) is developed. Research is then planned to collect data systematically so as to test the hypothesis. Usually, the

research is designed to falsify or disprove the hypothesis; if it doesn’t, the hypothesis is more likely to be true, but it is not proven. Boring but secure data will trump an exciting hypothesis!

 

If the data are independently confirmed, they are even more likely to be true. Research is a universal tool and is not restricted to any particular approach. The conduct and

publication of research is a responsibility for anyone advocating a particular approach to this condition.

 

Hope this clears up any ’What is research?’ questions.