Understanding Research in Practice

Understanding Research in Practice
Outline of Syllabus Contents
1. Define what research is and what function it performs.
2. Discuss hypothesis, control measure, variables, measurements, significance
etc.
3. Relate to current medical & scientific research.
4. Explain the meaning of placebos, control groups, double blind etc.
5. Include specific examples of types of medical and aromatherapy research
undertaken.
6. Identify the needs of the scientific community
7. Critical analysis and research
8. Discuss examples of research formats and presentations
9. Identify and discuss the differences between qualitative & quantitative research
and the difficulties underlying some aspects of aromatherapy research
Recommended Reading
Lewith G. (2001) Clinical Research in Complementary Therapies. Churchill
Livingstone Paperback 392 Pages ISBN 044306367
Sutton C (1987) Handbook of research for the helping professions, New York

Understanding Research in Practice

Aims
a. To introduce the principles of research and the critical process of
enquiry in the context of health care in general and aromatherapy in
particular.
b. To provide students with an understanding of research methodology so
that they can use research evidence to inform clinical practice and
understand the need for audit techniques.
c. To introduce the student to the need to explore the role of aromatherapy
research as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to:
i. To describe some of the issues facing Aromatherapy research and why it is
difficult for aromatherapy to meet some research criteria.
ii. Demonstrate the skills of finding, reviewing and critically analysing relevant
research literature.
iii. Demonstrate an awareness of the value of research for both practice and
CPD; the need for aromatherapy research; and the importance of audit
techniques.