Abstract
In order to critically evaluate the quality of research, it is important to have some grounding in research methods. This is best achieved by undertaking a project of one's own, not to mention the pleasure achieved in seeing such a piece of work finally in print. However, the path is strewn with obstacles. Many research projects never make it through to the end, and many would-be researchers find their experience to be fruitless or negative. This little book provides an introductory text on how to conduct research, and includes sections on a number of practical issues. These include the initial formulation and refinement of a research question, how to review the literature, the process of writing a research protocol (often an arduous task for the uninitiated), all the way through to producing a publication. The book is multi-authored, with the list of contributors covering a range of disciplines in psychiatry as well as from other aspects of research, such as ethics committees. While there is some repetition, the range of expertise enhances the book by providing a number of perspectives to each aspect of the endeavour. The book has been written with the needs of senior registrars and trainees in the UK in mind. However, the book is relevant to Australian trainees who must complete a research project in their final year of training. The book is a valuable primer for such trainees, as they have often had limited exposure to research methods and practice.
The introductory chapters deal with some key issues, including the importance of choosing research that is personally interesting, yet practical, and also of assessing the obstacles to carrying out such work. Chapter 3 provides an overview and deals with qualitative versus quantitative research and the formulation of questions and hypotheses. This chapter also has sections on the ‘stakeholders’ and the project team, ethical issues, resources and funding for the project, as well as project management and the dissemination of the findings. The next two chapters deal with the literature search and writing the research protocol, providing very useful information and tips, including potential sources for literature searches and strategies to interrogate these sources. There are three helpful chapters on data analysis, which can be a daunting task as often these skills have been left behind in medical school lecture theatres. There is a helpful section on the use of computers and potential pitfalls, including sections on archiving of data and computer viruses. A chapter on maintaining momentum provides some useful tips, while the chapter on getting published is particularly important. The separate section on ethics is also very helpful to the budding researcher who must consider the ethical aspects of their study. The final section deals with obtaining research grants, for those who want to continue their research career.
While the book is reasonably comprehensive for those beginning research, a few sections have been inadequately covered. These include a separate section on gathering data and the process of organising the data in an appropriate manner for analysis. While the issue of project management is dealt with, separate discussion should have included aspects of data management, including defining the range of data to be collected, the preparation of forms and questionnaires and adequate coding for entry to a database. Data checking and cleaning is also an important and often time-consuming aspect of most projects. For example, the best way to ensure accuracy of the data in a database is to enter the information twice, so that discrepant values are readily detected. The importance of seeking out established expertise in the research area of interest deserves more discussion, while some comment on the roles and responsibilities of supervisors would have been helpful. The potential benefit of linking up with an established research group or project team consisting of a number of individuals offering different areas and levels of expertise is also another way to assist younger researchers to obtain adequate support and training. This is dealt with to some extent in the second and third chapters, though the importance of a specialist research group is not adequately considered. Such support will overcome most of the problems encountered, including help with getting through the most difficult stages (e.g. data collection, getting the results published). Establishing an appropriate support structure will ease the whole process and increase the likelihood that the experience will be enjoyable and exciting.
Overall, this text is a very useful guide to undertaking research and will be a helpful primer to those beginning their research career, This book will be useful to psychiatric trainees and other students who are becoming involved in research.