Research Involvement Continuum Level of Dietetic Internship Directors

Abstract

Research is considered to be the foundation of the profession of dietetics, and it is a required component of the dietetic internship (DI) curriculum. However, studies have shown that dietitians, including dietetic educators, are not highly involved with research. This research-competency gap has been studied in the literature, but the role of DI directors, who are the gatekeepers of DI programs, have not been included in empirical discussions on this topic. The purpose of this study was to identify where DI directors fall on the research involvement continuum as defined by the Research Involvement Questionnaire (RIQ) and to identify the types of factors that influence DI directors’ involvement with research. In this cross-sectional survey study that included 96 DI directors, research involvement of DI directors was limited. Using the four levels of the research involvement continuum, it was found that more participants were classified into level one (low research experience) than levels two through four combined. Research involvement was most related to education/training, professional experience, and research experience. Based upon the theory of experiential learning, dietetic educators must have meaningful experiences with research in order to reach the higher levels on the research continuum. The findings from this study can be used to better prepare DI directors and other dietetic educators as well as to inform curricular decisions to better align education and practice within the profession of dietetics.