ABSTRACT
Data are analyzed by testing whether the values of certain variables are determined by the values of other variables. Research methods include the controlled experiment, field studies, mathematical simulation modeling and case studies. Researchers should protect the production of scientific knowledge from personal bias and other subjective influences by seeking consensus among peers about what 'counts' as research and scientific knowledge. The research streams about movement of ideas that builds on the science mode include diffusion studies and knowledge translation studies in healthcare. Theories of knowledge translation in healthcare are also based on the science mode. In the humanities mode, the purpose of the researcher is to portray, understand and reflect on the experience of human actors inside organized practices. According to O’Mahoney’s analysis of the philosophy of social science of Scandinavian institutionalists, their perspective tends to focus on the local (re)construction or institutionalization of management innovations or fashions.
