Editorial Type: ORIGINAL ARTICLES
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Apr 2010

Chiropractic Students and Research: Assessing the Research Culture at a North American Chiropractic College

BS and
MD, MS
Article Category: Research Article
Page Range: 35 – 45
DOI: 10.7899/1042-5055-24.1.35
Save
Download PDF

Purpose: To continue positive professional growth and boost research endeavors, chiropractic institutions need to develop a research-oriented foundation and produce a larger body of researchers. The purpose of this study was to provide a current analysis of the research culture among students at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. This study will gain insight toward the research contributions of the next generation of chiropractors and identify the difficulties toward participation. This will help modify current academic programs to better foster research and ensure a promising, credible future for the chiropractic profession. Methods: Participants were students at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida enrolled in quarters 1 through 12 during the 2008 summer term. To evaluate the research culture, participants were asked to complete a 33-item web-based survey. Results: A total of 303 students completed the survey. Forty-four percent were female, and the mean age was 26 (SD = 4.2). Ninety-nine percent of respondents agreed that research was necessary for positive growth within the chiropractic profession. A majority of students reported having research experience, and 58% planned to participate in research activities prior to graduation. Technical writing was reported as the most challenging aspect of research, and heavy academic workload was reported as the greatest deterrent to participation. Conclusion: This study expresses possibilities for building a strong research culture at the college. Students were aware of the necessity for research and were openly interested in conducting research. Modification of current academic policies will allow for greater student research opportunities and the development of tomorrow's researchers.

Copyright: © 2010 Association of Chiropractic Colleges 2010

Contributor Notes

About the Authors

Kenneth Weber is a student and Xiaohua He is a professor at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida.

Address correspondence to Xiaohua He, Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida, 4777 City Center Parkway, Port Orange, FL 32129 (e-mail: shawnhe@palmer.edu).
Received: 16 Jun 2009
Accepted: 27 Sept 2009
  • Download PDF