I’m not entirely convinced by the need for this degree-mania but with Nursing looking at the very least to increase the level of learning within the profession I’m going to put my head on the block, after all what is a blog for but exactly that, and ask the same question of research.

My big issue here is that the level of understanding at the corporate and decision-making level around research process seems to me to be slight, in some cases dangerously so.

Perhaps it is time to beef up the profession?

My main concern is actually a negative one, the lack of understanding around the use and abuse of statistics. To be clear, we often talk about Key Performance Indicators – essentially my job and bonus – yet the application of poor technique to make vital real life decisions on this and consequently how we relate to consumers is for me an issue. At the very least if you are using data you should be able to spell regression even if you don’t use it.

For me a little more knowing skepticism from decision-makers, and a little more involvement from siloed and often ignored knowledgeable experts is required. Far from making research an academic exercise it makes it a more sensible one; I often find those least in the know are the very ones that latch onto some ‘black or white’ statistic, probably to justify their own job.

Yes we have to make decisions, a beefed up profession hopefully will help in understanding what feels like a good one.