Do you have an idea for research? How to develop a research priority

2014 Conference

Abstract: This interactive workshop aims to equip members of the public with the tools to develop their own research ideas and priorities into potentially researchable questions, enabling them to more confidently discuss them with academic and clinical colleagues.

Delegates will be allocated a health or social care topic to consider, with the aim of developing it into a researchable question and mini ‘research proposal’. The session will be divided into a series of exercises which participants will undertake in small groups. Activities will include a brief facilitated review of relevant research papers on the topic, considering what evidence already exists and what research might improve our understanding of the issue. Groups will then develop their own research question on the topic, considering what is feasible, practical, useful and ethical. Appropriate research methods for answering the question will be considered, along with how participants might be recruited and what ethical considerations need to be taken into account. If time allows, groups will present their research ideas and a ‘winner’ will be decided through a mock funding allocation.

By working through this process, delegates will gain an understanding of the issues they need to consider when presenting their own ideas for research. The workshop will be facilitated by staff and service users from the Richard Wells Research Centre based on our experience of working collaboratively to identify research priorities and develop them into research projects.