Why is seeking research funding important? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Funding implies both scientific and social merit.
b. Funding allows the researcher to hire assistants who attend to the tasks of research, leaving the researcher free for design of more and better projects.
c. The academic reputation of the researcher increases as grant funding increases.
d. Research cannot be conducted unless formal funding is obtained.
e. Well-designed studies can be expensive, especially those with complex designs.
f. A funded study is much more likely to be published.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C, E
Seeking funding for research is important, both for the researcher and for the profession. Well-designed studies can be expensive. As the rigor and complexity of the study design increase, the cost tends to increase. By obtaining funding, the researcher can conduct a complex, well-designed study. Funding indicates that others have reviewed the study and recognize its scientific and social merit. In fact, the scientific credibility of the profession is related to the quality of studies conducted by its researchers. Thus, scientific credibility and funding for research are interrelated. The profession of nursing has invested a great deal of energy in increasing the sources of funding and amount of money available for nursing research. Each award of funding enhances the status of the researcher and increases the possibilities of greater funding for later studies. In addition, funding provides practical advantages. For example, funding may reimburse part or all of the researcher's salary and release the researcher from other responsibilities, allowing the researcher to devote time to conducting the study. Funding provides the researcher with the resources to hire research assistants and study coordinators to facilitate data collection and enhance your productivity.