Music Therapy Research: Context, Methodology, and Current and Future Developments

Research is the process by which new knowledge is developed, existing knowledge is extended, and new theoretical frameworks are founded. In health care, research provides evidence for effective ways of working with patients or clients to achieve positive change; maintaining or improving optimal health and well-being. Research methods in health and education are characterized by a guiding research question or hypothesis, a theoretical or epistemological' orientation adopted by the researcher, a data source, and a selected method of data collection and analysis that is agreed in advance of the research commencing. All research is bound by an ethical code which is assured by approval from an Institutional Review Board, or an ethics committee. This process confirms that the processes of the research will cause no harm or discomfort to the participants, and will add value to existing knowledge.