Introduction to Radiologic Technology Research

Foundational vocabulary and concepts regarding the definition, worldviews, history, and characteristics of Radiologic Technology research.

cerchier

A French word meaning to seek, from which the word research is literally derived.

Research

A process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data; documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies.

Positivism/Post-Positivism

A worldview also known as scientific method or empirical science, noting that causes determine the effects or outcomes and knowledge is developed through careful observation.

Constructivism

Also known as social constructivism and interpretivism, this worldview notes that people seek understanding of the world and that participants will have multiple different meanings.

Advocacy/Participatory

Also known as Transformative Worldview, this research focus holds that studies need to consider political agendas to promote change and address issues of power or marginalized individuals.

Pragmatism

A worldview focused on applications and solutions that work, where researchers utilize all necessary methods to address a research problem rather than committing to one system.

Radiologic Technology Research

The systematic investigation of issues related to diagnostic imaging and radiation sciences using scientific methods to develop evidence-based practices.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

The process of making clinical decisions by combining the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and the patient's values and preferences.

Research in Radiologic Technology

Research that focuses on the entire discipline, including technology, education, patient care, management, and professionals.

Research on Radiologic Technologists

Research that focuses on the practitioners themselves as the subject of the investigation.

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen

The German physicist who discovered X-rays on $\text{November } 8, 1895$ and produced the first radiograph of his wife's hand.

Radiation Protection Research ($1930-1950$)

A period in the evolution of research focused on radiation safety, lead shielding, protective barriers, radiation monitoring, and personal dosimeters.

Digital Revolution ($1990-2010$)

A period where film-based radiography shifted to digital systems, focusing on Computed Radiography (CR), Digital Radiography (DR), and PACS.

Description

A purpose of research that aims at observing, defining, and documenting radiologic situations subject to scientific inquiry.

Exploration

A purpose of research which seeks clarification of a prevailing situation to answer questions that ask why a phenomenon occurred.

Orderly and Systematic

A characteristic of research that follows a specific progression from identifying the problem to choosing study samples and conducting field tests.

Control

A characteristic of research where the researcher identifies and eliminates specific constraints or limitations to ensure precise and valid results.

Empirical

A characteristic indicating the study is rooted in objective reality, using results of experiences and observations as sources of knowledge.

Generalization

The stage in research where findings of a study are deemed to have applicability to the entire population.

Intensive

The use of an in-depth approach to ensure that all possible loopholes in a study are covered.

Principal Investigator

A role in research where a radiologist or professional requires special research preparation and training to conduct a scientific study.

Client Advocate in Research Study

A research role where the professional explains the study thoroughly to clients who are involved as participants.

Deductive

A classification of research according to logic, typically contrasted with inductive logic.