Guidelines for Initiating a Research Agenda: Topic Selection and Evidence of Impact

Maria E. Delost; Teresa S. Nadder

doi:10.29074/ascls.27.4.231

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Maria E. Delost, Ph.D., MT(ASCP)⇑
1. Youngstown State University, Dept. of Health Professions, Youngstown, OH
Teresa S. Nadder, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)^CM
1. Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

Address for Correspondence: Maria E. Delost, Ph.D., MT(ASCP), Professor and Director of Medical Laboratory Programs, Youngstown State University, Dept. of Health Professions, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555, 330-941-1761, medelost{at}ysu.edu

Describe factors portending significance and professional impact of potential research.
Identify knowledge and practice gaps leading to formulation of specific, meaningful hypotheses and research questions.
Apply rules related to informed consent and Institutional Review Board research approval.
Describe elements of the research budget and budgeting process.

Abstract

The focus on scholarly productivity as an outcome measure for performance evaluations of personnel and/or units and benchmarking purposes is increasing in both the academic and clinical settings. This article presents avenues for identifying achievable research projects in both the academic and clinical settings. Factors for consideration when selecting a project include its significance or impact on the profession, feasibility for implementing the project, and ethical issues related to human subjects protection. A review of the literature is essential for identifying gaps in knowledge and for constructing the hypothesis or research question. Decisions concerning IRB submission, budget allocation, and collection of data must also be considered before implementation of the research design.

ABBREVIATIONS: DV- Dependent variable, IRB - Institutional Review Board, IV - Independent variable, NIH - National Institute of Health, ORI - Federal Office of Research Integrity