Page 31 - Exhibit No. 3 Copies of Instructional Materials Actually Used

Researchers trust and use research published in credible peer-
reviewed scientific journals. Experts have reviewed studies published in these
journals to make sure they are of high quality.

• How does the new information fit with what is already known?
Each research study contributes to an existing body of knowledge.
More weight can be given to findings that support and build on the findings of
other research. One study alone is never enough to make a case, it only gives
direction about what new research is needed.

• How does funding influence research
The ability to report study results without personal bias, is an important
consideration when conducting research. When reading an article from a
funded research project, you must consider whether the funders of this
research had anything to gain by the results. When research is paid for by a
source that does n have an interest in the results, funder's expectations or
preferences were less likely to have influenced the results.

Areas of Research Interest

Selecting a researchable area is one of the most important aspects of social
research. There are processes considered at the start. Kumar (1996) suggested a
set of exercises developing a research project:

Step 1: Select a broad area of study that interests you

Example:

• School environment
• Academic performance
• Parental involvement

Step 2: Having selected an area, analyze it in order to identify its sub-problem(s).
Some areas are:

Example
• Academic performance and school environment
• Academic performance and parental involvement

Select only a sub-area that would be possible to study within the constraints
of time resources and expertise. One way to select your sub-area is to start the
process of elimination. Select the sub-area you are very interested in.

Step 3: From the above sub-areas, select a sub-area in which you would like to
conduct your study

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Nursing Research I