Very little research in the field is pure in nature. That is, very few people do research in research
methodology per se. Most research is applied research, which has wide application in many disciplines.
Every profession uses research methods in varying amounts in many areas. They use the methods and
procedures developed by research methodologists in order to increase understanding in their own
profession and to advance the professional knowledge base. It is through the application of research
methodology that they strengthen and advance their own profession. Examine your own field. You will
find that its professional practice follows procedures and practices tested and developed by others over a
long period of time. It is in this testing process that you need research skills, the developments of which
fall in the category of pure research. As a matter of fact, the validity of your findings entirely depends
upon the soundness of the research methods and procedures adopted by you.
Within any profession, where you directly or indirectly provide a service, such as health (nursing,
occupational therapy, physiotherapy, community health, health promotion and public health), education,
psychology or social work, the application of research can be viewed from four different perspectives: