Although these definitions capture elements that are
common to many types of research, they fail to distinguish
clearly between research and other activities. For
example audit and journalism can also involve the
attempt to generate new knowledge or to discover
facts. On the other hand research conducted by students
as part of their training may not generate new knowledge but may nevertheless warrant ethical
review. (This may depend on how ‘new’ is understood.
Does it mean new to the investigator, to the public or
to everyone?) Likewise many forms of study, such as
university-based education, are focused and systematic,
without being research.