Evaluation of the Health Professional

Although research is central to both business and academic activities, there is no formal definition of research. Research has different meaning for different people. However, there is a general agreement that research is a process of enquiry and a scientific investigation. It is systematic and methodical. It also increases knowledge (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). As CLIFFORD WOODY puts it, "Research comprises of defining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, making deductions and reaching conclusions and at last, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. The above definition means research is a systematic method which identifies a problem, formulates a hypothesis, and collects data or facts, which leads to analysis and consequently, conclusions. The conclusions are the solutions to the identified problem (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991).