Conducting research: practical steps

Developing a research protocol and obtaining funding for carrying out the research are only the first steps in doing research. Understanding the means to conduct the research is equally important. As research is a joint effort of a team, a mechanism of collaboration must be developed to engage all those with an interest in the research. This includes the community in which the research is to be undertaken, representatives of those who will participate in the research, the academic community who will be involved in the research, and those who will sponsor the research. These individuals can be formed into a 'steering committee' to guide the development, conduct, analysis and communication of the research. Careful consideration must be given to the benefits and risks of the research. These must be precisely spelled out in the research protocol, and all aspects of the research must be independently evaluated for technical competence, accuracy, communication and liability for injury by an ethics review committee. The research must follow precisely the protocol developed. Administrative procedures, including recruitment and management of staff, outlining standard procedures and quality assurance procedures must be clearly outlined and followed. Carefully handling the information collected in a research project is vital to ensuring the quality and validity of the research.