Research and its Impact on Revealing the Benefits of Chiropractic Care: An Identity Issue – The Role of Research in Formulating Belief Systems
William R. Boone, Ph.D., D.C.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume 2 ~ Number 3 ~ Pages 1-3
Abstract
The obvious rationale for conducting research is to contribute to humankind’s understanding of the phenomena which are encountered on a daily basis. Granted, there are different perspectives as to what constitutes acceptable research. These perspectives allow individuals to choose the level and type of information they will use in deciding the verity of a given hypothesis. It is important, however, for those who rely upon the research literature to recognize that single studies, or even a paucity of studies in a given area, regardless of the findings reported, do not provide the “culture” of evidence sufficient to make the quantum leap to “fact.” Thus, as research techniques improve, and new information becomes available, those who imbibe research must avoid the tendency to think that agreement of a few papers provides “proof,” or lack thereof, for a given hypothesis.
