There are many different types of research, and some may be more or less appropriate to your 0-5 setting or service. It is worth being aware of the types of research studies and projects so you can better understand what researchers are asking for when we share their opportunities for you to get involved through the Network.
Observational or experimental research is defined as conducting any research through a protocol or procedure to observe scientific measures between two or more sets of variables. This can include different types of research methods such as Randomised Control Trials.
Clinical research focuses on exploring a particular problem or issue that is observed within the clinical environment and seeks to measure how new approaches in the clinical setting (or ‘real world’) remain valid, reliable, and meaningful. For example, testing a new psychological intervention in people’s homes.
Applied research is similar to clinical research, but rather than being focused within a clinical environment or discipline (such as psychology), it will focus on how policies and programmes more generally can help alleviate an issue or problem that is occurring. This can include different types of research methods such as qualitative research including focus groups and interviews or quantitative research including surveys.
Policy research is often focused on more than one area at a time, and looks at how a national government policy is implemented on a local level. This can include different types of research methods such as qualitative research including focus groups and interviews.
Service evaluation will focus on three different types of evaluation: process, outcome and impact.
Perhaps not always considered ‘obvious research’ but many services and organisations have a lot of routinely collected data, which can, when analysed, help identify trends and needs within existing service provision.