What strategies can you use to design innovative and evidence-based research studies?

?? Identifying a gap in research can sometimes feel limiting, like a narrow path. ?? It might appear to confine your exploration within certain boundaries. However, it's essential to remember that this gap is not a wall; it's a starting point. ?? Rather than fixating solely on the gap, think broadly about what you're passionate about. ?? This broader perspective can inspire innovation and guide you to creative solutions that bridge the gap, unlocking new avenues of knowledge. ?? So, don't let the gap narrow your thinking; let it be the catalyst for broader and more inventive ideas. ?? #ResearchInnovation #CreativeThinking #UnlockingKnowledge

I think you need to have a specific framework for things to work, and here is how I do it: 1- Identify a gap in the current knowledge or practice. What are the important questions that have not yet been answered? What are the pressing problems that need to be solved? 2- Be creative and think outside the box. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo or explore new ideas. 3- Use rigorous methods and data analysis. Make sure that your study is well-designed and that your data is analyzed appropriately. In short: To design innovative and evidence-based research studies, identify a gap in the current knowledge, be creative, and use rigorous methods. Involve stakeholders and communicate your findings effectively.

In my experience with research, the first step is identifying a gap or need in existing knowledge or practice. For instance, in a recent political research project in India, I uncovered a gap in the literature regarding the impact of local governance reforms on rural communities. This gap became the focal point of my research, leading to the question: "How do local governance reforms affect rural development outcomes?" This question emerged from a real need in the field and guided my innovative and evidence-based study. So you need find a gap or needed topic which has a target audience.

To truly address a gap or need, you must understand the underlying context of the problem. Research isn't just about identifying what's missing; it's also about understanding why it's missing. After identifying the gap, immerse yourself in the broader scenario related to your study. Engage in multidisciplinary studies or methodologies that provide a holistic view of the problem. Utilize qualitative research methods, such as interviews or case studies, to gain insights into the lived experiences, attitudes, or perceptions of individuals affected by or knowledgeable about the gap. By understanding the historical, cultural, and societal influences, you can tailor your research approach to be more culturally and contextually relevant.

I prefer to start with a situational analysis (not necessarily a gap analysis). This mindset of being on the lookout for what’s out there, what isn’t and why helps unveil a bigger picture of the problem you are studying. This approach can also sharpen your research objectives and help shape the methods you choose and the rationale for doing so.

Selecting the right research method is like picking the right tool for the job. ??? Once you've identified your research question and objectives, it's crucial to choose a method that fits your context. ???? Consider factors like feasibility, validity, reliability, ethics, and generalizability. Be aware of your chosen method's assumptions and limitations. Each choice shapes your research journey. ?? #ResearchMethods #ChooseWisely #EthicalResearch

Of course, theoretical understanding of methodologies do not account for contextual application. Awareness of assumptions rarely get room in the problem statement and deserves it’s own paragraph as a validation of proposed structures. This informs business needs and organisational objectives. Revealing systemic blockers early in the process is also a good way to educate and invite others into evidence-based decision making as part of the wider practice.

Often, jumping to a focus on methods can limit the thought that goes into formulating a question. The question should drive the methods, not the reverse. An example: there is a sense that in any clinical trial, a randomized placebo controlled trial is always the best design, the “gold standard”. But when looking at whether aggressive early antiretroviral therapy produces the best chance of prolonging survival - a randomization to “immediate vs deferred” antiretroviral therapy is a far better more practical design. With the availability of therapies known to have some antiviral effect - no person with HIV is going to enter a placebo controlled trial. The question is actually how best to use the available therapies to increase survival

The choice of methods should not be too narrow rather one must think out of the box. Nowadays, digital tools are being developed and widely used. However, researchers are still shy to employ these tools as part of methodology. It's fruitful to think out of the box and apply methods which do not seem very sophisticated

To start a new study you need a client request/market gap, so you know what is your research question and the final goal. There are many research methods that you can use, so pick up the most appropriate for the study. It may mean doing some “tests” (trying one and then switching), asking to experts in that field and doing some brainstorming with colleagues to check pro and con of each method. With critical thinking, you may pick a combo of different methods to solve the limitations of each, which will require creativity. Once you get results, you can keep shaping your method towards the final goal: the results will shape your evidence-based method. The method must be reproducible, so other scientists can exactly re-make all you have done.

Enhancing your research's innovation and evidence base hinges on two pillars: creativity and critical thinking. ???? ?? Creativity sparks fresh ideas, hypotheses, and solutions. Think outside the box, embrace innovation. ??? ?? Critical thinking is your guide. Rigorously evaluate, refine, and strengthen your concepts. ?? ??? Techniques like brainstorming, mind mapping, prototyping, and feedback loops fuel creativity. ????? ?? Stay open to new perspectives, insights, and emerging challenges. Adapt and learn as you go. ???? Integrate creativity and critical thinking for thriving research. ???? #ResearchInnovation #CriticalThinking #CreativityMatters

Creativity and critical thinking involve adopting a "Symbiotic Mindset" on research. This approach encourages researchers to use creativity to generate innovative ideas and solutions while using critical thinking to rigorously evaluate and refine those ideas. Creativity and critical thinking work together iteratively, helping to create robust research hypotheses. Researchers should also prototype and test creative solutions, using feedback and data, and remain open to new perspectives, insights, and challenges. This approach fosters innovation while maintaining a strong foundation in evidence and rigorous evaluation, promoting a dynamic and adaptable research process

The next step after choosing an appropriate method is data collection. A research project should allocate sufficient time on data collection. Typically, between 30% and 40% of the project time should be on data collection. Collecting good quality data is vital for understanding the deficiencies/gap and developing of new systems. It should be noted that if the quality of the collected data is poor, the solutions will not effectively address the need or gap. If it was in Government terms, the research would be deemed a wasted expenditure.

The need for novel ideas and the ability to critique existing standards in hypothesis formulation is obvious. The most necessary application of critical thinking in research is toward your methodology. Step through each stage of the execution of your research to highlight the problems and pitfalls. For each aspect of your research plan ask 'how exactly will I achieve this step?' and write it down, a detailed plan for each aspect of your research work.

According to the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), collaborating and communicating with other researchers can be improved by 1. Using innovation management and knowledge management techniques 2. Giving equal focus to Doing, Using, and Interacting model which involves relationship-building and co-producing a research project 3. Giving more attention to design-based research which could include the function of mediation or brokerage between research, policy, practice on one side, and co-creation or collaborative design on the other side 4. Creating communities of practice for researchers and practictioners.

Research collaboration and communication emphasizes the creation of "Synergetic Research Communities." These communities extend beyond traditional cooperation, creating interconnected networks of researchers who collectively address complex challenges, co-create research designs, and embrace interdisciplinary insights. Dynamic knowledge sharing among members draws from best practices and trends to enrich research methodologies. Collaborative dissemination amplifies the impact of research findings, reaching a broader audience, including practitioners and policymakers, and extending the influence of researchers within their fields and society.

I agree. Collaboration is an essential tool in the design of innovative and evidence based research. Collaboration combines the strengths of multiple perspectives and disciplines and provides a strong and more strategic framework for the development of ideas. Understanding of the different perspectives is also essential to determine how they can contribute to the success of the project.

Data analyses and presentation of the results form crucial steps in research. The decision on how the results will be presented should be done as a part of choosing an appropriate method step. The selected method informs how the data will be analysed.

If your selected research topic, is a popular area of research and you have identified the many different stakeholders already contributing to the knowledge gap, communicating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders would enhance and further solidify your contribution to the field. Be open to collaborating with stakeholders that are not recognised as experts in a traditional sense, people who might have different perspectives, knowledge and academic status. Collaboration is also a great learning opportunity for your professional and personal growth.

In my experience, adaptability and improvement are crucial. A good example of that are clinical studies becoming more data-driven and remote. Researchers need to adapt by incorporating digital tools and telemedicine into their research designs to collect real-time, patient-centric data, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their studies. Additionally, with the emergence of real-world data sources, like wearables and electronic health records, researchers can adapt their data collection methods for a more holistic understanding of patient experiences and outcomes. In essence, staying flexible, responsive, and adaptive allows researchers to create studies that truly reflect the evolving landscape of evidence-based research.

Adapt and improve a research design emphasizes a "Resilient Iteration", embracing the dynamic nature of the research process. Researchers adopt an agile methodology, recognizing that research is an evolving journey rather than a fixed blueprint. They react to unexpected challenges and results as learning opportunities, allowing for flexible adjustments to research strategies. Resilient Iteration ensures research remains relevant, fosters continuous improvement through iterative feedback, and optimizes resource allocation by focusing on the most productive aspects. This approach empowers researchers to view changes and challenges as opportunities for improvement, ultimately leading to higher research quality, innovation, and relevance.

It's natural to feel a strong commitment to the initial plan of action when embarking on a project, given the intellectual and emotional investment involved. However, it's crucial to recognize that the pursuit of science transcends individual investments. Therefore, one must actively seek the most advantageous course of action for addressing the research problem effectively. Maintaining an open mind and being willing to adapt strategies can be one of the most challenging aspects of scientific work, yet it's precisely what distinguishes a good and ethical scientist.

Informally we used to call it the wash-out. The post-event analysis and report process that would allow us to sustain the best parts of what we did and improve on the worst. The AI pulled out that research is an iterative process, and this is correct, but 'Dynamic' is not the best term - avoid changing your methods on the fly or your statistical analysis and report will be impaired.

Innovative research flourishes when there's a delicate balance between procedural and propositional learning within the research community. Procedural learning: mastering established methods, ensuring rigor, maintaining systematic discipline. Propositional learning: creativity, critical thinking, the pursuit of fresh ideas This equilibrium influences the temperament and character of the research community. A balanced approach enables diverse personalities and skills to thrive, fostering collaboration between meticulous researchers and visionary thinkers. This synergy leads to groundbreaking discoveries while upholding scientific integrity, making it the ideal environment for innovative research.

In my experience, questioning assumptions made in the course of the research is crucial for data integrity and reliability, while exploring mixed research methodologies facilitates a better research output.

Always invoke a first principles based deductive approach to provide a framework for any other methods in use. This will make it easy to take into account every relevant type of data.

To enrich the research process, I consider that research reproducibility, cultural sensitivity, mentorship, and self-care may enhance efficiency and credibility. Cultural sensitivity, mentorship and self-care support personal and professional growth in the research journey. Together, these considerations provide a comprehensive foundation for robust, impactful research.

Actively seek out collaboration with people that have different skills, methods, points of view. Together we are stronger and the data is more solid, which serves everyone better - in and out of science.