{"title":"Twelve tips on finding a research orientation: A practical guide for the novice researcher.","authors":"Matilda Liljedahl, Per J Palmgren, Cormac McGrath","doi":"10.1080/0142159X.2025.2473607","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Health professions education (HPE) research has developed into a robust scientific field, embracing a variety of methodological approaches. Although not always explicitly stated, research inquiries are underpinned by a research orientation; philosophical assumptions that guide the way in which research is designed, conducted, reported and evaluated. In a field as diverse as ours, novice researchers may find it challenging to orient themselves in epistemological and ontological considerations, that is, knowing which questions to ask. In the HPE research field, it is also not unusual for researchers to move between research traditions, that is, being a paradigmatic crossover. This article therefore provides twelve practical tips for novice researchers on finding a research orientation for their study. In summary, we suggest that novice researchers engage in a reflective and exploratory journey around why and how they attempt to address a certain research problem. We further urge that every research inquiry be conducted intentionally and coherently, and suggest that paradigmatic conversations and reflections continue throughout the research career. In conclusion, we hope that the twelve tips provided herein will assist not only novice researchers but also more experienced researchers engaging in paradigmatic crossings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18643,"journal":{"name":"Medical Teacher","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Medical Teacher","FirstCategoryId":"95","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2025.2473607","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Health professions education (HPE) research has developed into a robust scientific field, embracing a variety of methodological approaches. Although not always explicitly stated, research inquiries are underpinned by a research orientation; philosophical assumptions that guide the way in which research is designed, conducted, reported and evaluated. In a field as diverse as ours, novice researchers may find it challenging to orient themselves in epistemological and ontological considerations, that is, knowing which questions to ask. In the HPE research field, it is also not unusual for researchers to move between research traditions, that is, being a paradigmatic crossover. This article therefore provides twelve practical tips for novice researchers on finding a research orientation for their study. In summary, we suggest that novice researchers engage in a reflective and exploratory journey around why and how they attempt to address a certain research problem. We further urge that every research inquiry be conducted intentionally and coherently, and suggest that paradigmatic conversations and reflections continue throughout the research career. In conclusion, we hope that the twelve tips provided herein will assist not only novice researchers but also more experienced researchers engaging in paradigmatic crossings.
期刊介绍:
Medical Teacher provides accounts of new teaching methods, guidance on structuring courses and assessing achievement, and serves as a forum for communication between medical teachers and those involved in general education. In particular, the journal recognizes the problems teachers have in keeping up-to-date with the developments in educational methods that lead to more effective teaching and learning at a time when the content of the curriculum—from medical procedures to policy changes in health care provision—is also changing. The journal features reports of innovation and research in medical education, case studies, survey articles, practical guidelines, reviews of current literature and book reviews. All articles are peer reviewed.