Case example for Documentation

Case example for Documentation

Definition : Documentation is “the collation, synopsizing, and coding of printed material for future reference” (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Languages). Here is an example illustrating the importance of documentation in research:

In a weight loss study, the research assistant failed to measure the participant's weight at the beginning of the study. Later, when it was time to review the results of the study, the assistant realized that he did not have the weight for the participant.

Discussion questions

1. How does this type of situation affect the integrity of the study?

2. What should you do if you forget to document important information in the beginning of the study?

3. Why is it important to accurately document research information?

		ORI Curriculum Examples

	Case example for Documentation Definition : Documentation is “the collation, synopsizing, and coding of printed material for future reference” (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Languages). Here is an example illustrating the importance of documentation in research: In a weight loss study, the research assistant failed to measure the participant's weight at the beginning of the study. Later, when it was time to review the results of the study, the assistant realized that he did not have the weight for the participant. Discussion questions 1. How does this type of situation affect the integrity of the study? 2. What should you do if you forget to document important information in the beginning of the study? 3. Why is it important to accurately document research information?