Chapter objectives:

• To highlight the value of sound research and research processes in health care
• To create awareness of the range of approaches used in conducting research
• To explain the relevance of health research to students, researchers, health professionals and policy makers
• To show the international dimensions of research – following the trend for a convergence of health research principles across modern societies
• To give a broad overview of the book in terms of both its individual parts and its chapters – as well as the case studies, exercises and further reading it provides