CONSUMERS OF RESEARCH 2
Consumers of Research
Being a single person in my early 30s and without any children, I still use science in making most of my day to day decisions both at home and at work. Science takes place through human interaction. Some of this science is possible through informal communication among my colleagues at work, during the making of formal presentations and conference discussions (Menard, 2016). Since I consider decisions about my healthcare very vital, I try to find out the right complementary health practices and products to use. Taking care of my grandmother means I have to check on her health occasionally and watch that the food she eats is fit for her health too.
Working as an education and inclusion coach means am tasked with children’s welfare and all the stakeholders involved in the field, therefore requires me to be informed on matters regarding children. To recommend for any screening and follow-ups, I have to be aware of the most effective and recommended screening methods suitable for children at each level. An education and inclusion coach job description comes with the responsibility of ensuring that the children stay in a safe and secure environment and all disability requirements met equally. I have to read articles related to these activities and update my knowledge often to ensure deep comprehension of all these requirements. Therefore, science research profoundly affects my day to day activities.
Several tools come into place when deciding which of the information aired in advertisements and publications are unsupported and which of them are research-based. One of them is intuition; majorly based on the sound of the facts being shown (Banks, 2003). These decisions are made in regards to the expected risks posed by the information. Reliable sources are those from reputable organizations, qualified persons and those giving multiple perspectives allowing for personal decision. Research is crucial to every individual and affects decisions made. It is therefore essential that information is always verified before any publications made. This verification eliminates the existence of unsupported claims.
I have revised my approach towards the reading of research materials. Before reading an article, I consider the authority that wrote, the intended audience and the objectivity of the research material. This approach helps me understand research from which angle the writer wrote it, under what circumstances and who was to be the recipient of the information. Relating this information makes understanding of the concepts easy and less straining.
References
Banks, D. A. (2003). Misinformation as a starting point for critical thinking. Retrieved from: http://proceedings.informingscience.org/IS2003Proceedings/docs/114Banks.pdf
Menard, M., B.,(2016). Becoming an Informed Consumer of Research: Basic Considerations. MassageToday. Retrieved from: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=15164