Types of research Understanding dementia research Research could
be described as a systematic, organised attempt to find answers
to worthwhile questions, using predefined methods or procedures
which are clearly documented. It should be possible for other
people to understand exactly what the researchers did to arrive
at their conclusions. In this way, the results and conclusions
can be assessed and analysed in terms of relevance and accuracy,
bearing in mind any limitations or factors which the researchers
may have highlighted. Research is guided by theories. It builds
on knowledge that has been acquired from previous studies with
the aim of going one step further or responding to an observed
lack of research into a particular issue. Theories, drugs and
medical procedures are tested, people’s experiences are explored
and new issues are uncovered and addressed. In the healthcare
domain, the issues tend to be those which are important to the
general population or to specific groups of people (e.g.
patients, car