A critical review of research paradigms and strategies and their role in chiropractic research

Abstract

The allopathic medical approach to research is leaning heavily towards evidence based practice, utilising a quantitative model in order to analyse statistics and measure the potential variables An important initial step in any research is how best to study the research question. The approach chosen is the keystone to the structure in which the research question is answered but should allow for the research question to drive the approach rather than the other way around. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are critically assessed in this paper in order that an understanding is reached on whether individually or joint approaches are the best tools to answer important chiropractic research questions in the future The profession is currently heading quickly into a researched based mode led by its academic institutions. It is hoped that chiropractic has both the maturity and methodology to dictate its own research direction for the benefit of all concerned.