What is good research?
Good applied and evaluative research is characterised by a number of features, which may seem rigorous and off-putting, but are essential in order to achieve the objectives of the study and ensure a smooth running of the project.
It should always be:
- Implementable. It is important that research findings can be put into practice. Research for research sake is increasingly a thing of the past; real world problem solving is more likely to attract good researchers and willing funders.
- Generalisable. Even if a study is small scale and local in focus, some aspects of the results are likely to be applicable to other settings. These should be recognised.
- Protocol based. This need not be lengthy or elaborate but it is necessary to produce a plan, which will, at the very least, act as a reference during the project and help keep things on track.
- Peer-reviewed. This may be necessary in order to secure funding for the project, but even if funding is not being sought, the protocol should be of a high enough standard to meet the challenge of peer review.
- Publishable. Telling the world of your findings is a major consideration, and even at the planning stage it is worth bearing in mind how your results will best be disseminated.
Next page: What research isn't
Study guide collated by: Sandra Hollinghurst, Vicky Wood (Bath RDSU) and Michael Harris 
Last updated: 08 September 2003