What research isn't...
Research is not the same as audit.
Audit is the process of judging performance against given standards, that is, it will address the question: “Are we doing what we should be doing?”
Research will answer the more fundamental question: “What should we be doing?”
- Clearly, there is a close relationship between audit and research, which is often circular:
- research will be required to establish relevant and appropriate standards,
- audit will ascertain to what extent these standards are being met, and
- further research may be required to investigate why there are shortfalls or to modify standards as circumstances change.
Next page: Why is research needed?
Study guide collated by: Sandra Hollinghurst, Vicky Wood (Bath RDSU) and Michael Harris 
Last updated: 08 September 2003