R&D1 Determine a research and development topic worthy of investigation

Overview

This standard has broad application and is relevant to all types of research and development projects. The research topic determined may be a single hypothesis capable of thorough investigation by a single researcher; it is also relevant to research ideas which may necessitate investigation of a number of research questions by a team of researchers.  Ideas may stem from researchers own thinking or from suggesting ideas postulated by colleagues within the research community. In determining a research topic, the researcher must identify the feasibility, benefits, potential value and priority of their idea. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. precedents, current trends and thinking in the area of study
2. priorities and factors affecting research in the area of study
3. your organization’s objectives, research, intellectual property policy and strategy
4. ethical issues and relevant codes
5. practical and financial criteria and constraints affecting research
6. regulatory requirements affecting research in the area of study
7. methods for evaluating the authenticity and accuracy of information
8. methods for identifying and using sources of information and expert advice
9. methods for evaluating success of research projects
10. data protection and confidentiality issues
11. pressure groups and others who may oppose the research

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. relate the ideas to current thinking, knowledge and research
2. evaluate objectively and critically the feasibility and implications of investigation of the ideas
3. assess the potential output, utility and impact of future study
4. modify the ideas as appropriate to increase their utility
5. keep records of the ideas considered and the justification for their selection or dismissal, acknowledging input from others
6. prioritise research questions and justify those priorities
7. present clearly the likely significance and value of the proposed research and development to relevant people in an appropriate format
8. relate proposed research and development clearly to previous and on-going research
9. identify potential intellectual property associated with the idea
10. identify potential collaborators and competition

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: IK2 Information collection and analysis This standard has replaced HCS_H1 and PH09.03.