Introduction
Research is an active and systematic process of discovering new information. Health research can help us find ways to improve the health of people.
Research can help us understand disease or illness (for example, diabetes) making our health education, prevention and treatment efforts the best they can be.
Why is Research Important?
Research can help us understand disease or illness (for example, diabetes) making our health education, prevention and treatment efforts the best they can be.
For example, the Traditions of the Heart research project is teaching healthy choices and helping Alaska Native women prevent heart disease.
Types of Health Research
Health research usually falls within one of two categories: quantitative researchor qualitative research. Various types exist within each category. Several examples include: genomics, clinical research and outcomes research. Some health research involves meeting with an individual, asking him/her a series of questions and possibly checking things like his/her blood pressure. In other situations, it may also involve a chart review of his/her medical record.
Research Process
Research takes a lot of time and many steps are involved in the process. If you were a researcher, these are the steps you would follow:
- Pick a research topic (literature review)
- Form a specific research question (“hypothesis”) and select research methods
- Write a proposal
- Ask for institutional review board and tribal approvals
- Collect data (recruitment and enrollment)
- Analyze data (data analysis)
- Share study results (manuscript and scientific article)
- Evaluate
See section on Tribal Review Process
Every research project is guided by a Principal Investigator. This individual manages, coordinates and oversees all the project details from start to finish.