Involvement In Research Activities Research Articles

ВОВЛЕЧЕНИЕ СТУДЕНТОВ ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКОГО ВУЗА В НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКУЮ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ: ОЦЕНКА УРОВНЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ

At present special attention is paid to research activities in the education of university students. When selecting specific activities to involve students in research activities, many factors should be considered. The main two factors are: the level of organization of research activities in the university and the level of student involvement in research activities. The article proposes an original model for assessing the effectiveness of the system of forms aimed at the involvement of students in research activities. The model is based on the analysis of the forms implemented in Ulyanovsk State Pedagogical University named after I.N. Ulyanov. The authors’ model, unlike the well-known ones, allows to analyze the level of organization of research activities in the university and the level of students’ involvement in research activities.

Способы повышения профессиональной коммуникативной компетенции у курсантов образовательных организаций высшего образования ФСИН России

The article deals with the problem of increasing the professional communicative competence of cadets of the FPS of Russia educational institutions. The article deals with the problem of increasing the professional communicative competence of cadets of the FPS of Russia educational institutions. To implement the research tasks, the following research methods were used: analysis and generalization of pedagogical and methodological literature on the topic of the work, questionnaires, observation, generalization of pedagogical experience. As a result of the work carried out, the current state of the communicative training of applicants and graduates of departmental universities has been analyzed, the importance of professional communicative competence for the further service activities of the penal system staff has been substantiated, and ways of developing this competence in the process of training at a departmental university have been proposed. The author believes that the study of the disciplines «Russian language and culture of speech» and «Russian language in business documentation» is the first stage in the formation of professional communicative competence of cadets, since it lays down communication skills that allow optimal use of the means of the Russian language not only in everyday communication, but also in professional communication. The development of this competence is positively influenced by the cadets' involvement in research activities, meetings with practitioners of the Penal system, reading various literature, as well as modern digital technologies that allow them to independently increase the level of their communicative competence. These measures will have a positive effect on the formation of the professional communicative competence of cadets, which affects the further service activities of the penal system staff.

Realist evaluation of public engagement and involvement in data-intensive health research

BackgroundHigh quality public engagement and involvement (PEI) in data-intensive health research is seen as one way of ensuring that social legitimacy, i.e. a social license, is conferred through public acceptance of the need for research use of their data. This is a complex research area, and portfolios of involvement have been suggested, but not yet evaluated, to support the role of public contributors. The study aim was to evaluate if and how membership of a data-intensive research public forum can act as a mechanism for enhancing members’ personal development. Our objective was to understand the circumstances and mechanisms that help to explain how, why and for whom involvement with a public forum enhanced those members’ personal development.MethodQualitative data were collected from 15 current and previous members, via semi-structured interviews, notes from meetings, and consultations with and feedback from members. Data were critically compared, contrasted and reviewed until no new themes could be discerned and then condensed into context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Realist evaluation was used to generate a theoretical and empirical appreciation of the contextual circumstances and mechanisms which help to explain the extent to which involvement with a public forum would enhance members’ personal development and, if so, how, why, and for whom.ResultsThree CMO configurations were identified. All of them showed that using the portfolio facilitated growth in forum members’ personal development, but only where the members valued using the portfolio. This was particularly so for female members. Members valued the portfolio in one or more of three ways: as a tool to record and evidence activities, to facilitate reflective practice or as a guiding framework.ConclusionsData analysis and consideration of the three CMO configurations suggests a refined middle range theory that ‘The use of a portfolio as a framework for learning in a public forum will facilitate members’ personal development if they value its use as a framework for learning’. Further work is needed to confirm these findings both elsewhere in data-intensive health research and in other complex research areas using public forums for PEI.Plain English summaryPublic engagement and involvement in health research is now well established and makes a valuable contribution to the research process. However, little is known about its impact on participants. This article investigates how involvement in a data-intensive health research public forum impacts on public forum members, rather than the research process. Personal involvement portfolios were used to support their involvement work and help evaluate if and how involvement in research activities enhanced members’ personal development. Taking a realist evaluation approach, ‘Context-Mechanism-Outcome’ configurations were used to explore how membership of a public forum might enhance public forum members’ personal development. The Context-Mechanism-Outcome configuration refers to an exploration of what influences the extent to which an intervention is successful or unsuccessful in producing positive outcomes and tries to identify the reasons why it is successful for some and unsuccessful for others. However, evidence from this realist evaluation recommends that engagement and involvement should always be underpinned by procedures which ensure that public contributors receive ongoing and tailored guidance and support throughout the process.

Designing a tool to support patient and public involvement in research projects: the Involvement Matrix

BackgroundInterest in patient involvement in research is growing. Research should rather be ‘with’ or ‘by’ patients, and not only be ‘about’ or ‘for’ patients. Patients’ active involvement in research is not self-evident and special efforts have to be made. If we make efforts towards patient involvement, it could contribute to even more relevant projects with an even greater impact. In this paper we describe the process of development of a tool to support patient involvement in research projects.MethodsThe tool development was done in a co-creation of experience experts (patients and their parents/relatives) together with researchers. We used a participatory method in an iterative process comprising three consecutive stages. First, the purpose for the tool was explored, using focus groups. Second, the main ingredients and conceptualization for the tool were determined, using a narrative review. Third, the so-called Involvement Matrix was formalized and finalized using various expert panels.ResultsA conversation tool was developed, through which researchers and patients could discuss and explain their roles of involvement in a research project. This tool was formalized and visualized as a ‘matrix’. The so-called Involvement Matrix describes five roles (i.e., Listener, Co-thinker, Advisor, Partner, and Decision-maker) and three phases (i.e., Preparation, Execution, and Implementation) and includes a user’s guide.ConclusionThe Involvement Matrix can be used prospectively to discuss about possible roles of patients in different phases of projects, and retrospectively to discuss whether roles were carried out satisfactorily. Sharing experiences with the Involvement Matrix and evaluating its impact are the next steps in supporting patient involvement in research.

The impact of active research involvement of young children in the design of a new stereotest

BackgroundAlthough considered important, the direct involvement of young children in research design is scarce and to our knowledge its impact has never been measured. We aim to demonstrate impact of young children’s involvement in improving the understanding of a new 3D eye test or stereotest.MethodsAfter a pre-measure of understanding was taken, we explored issues with the test instructions in patient and public involvement (PPI) sessions where children acted as advisers in the test design. Feedback was collected via observations, rating scales and verbal comments. An interdisciplinary panel reviewed the feedback, discussed potential changes to the test design, and decided on the implementation. Subsequently, a post-measure of understanding (Study 1–2) and engagement (Study 3) was collected in a pre-post study design. Six hundred fifty children (2–11.8 years old) took part in the pre-measure, 111 children (1–12 years old) in the subsequent PPI sessions, and 52 children (4–6 years old) in the first post-measure. One hundred twenty-two children (1–12 years old) and unrelated adults took then part in a second series of PPI sessions, and 53 people (2–39 years old) in the final post-measure. Adults were involved to obtain verbal descriptions of the target that could be used to explain the task to children.ResultsFollowing feedback in Study 1, we added a frame cue and included a shuffle animation. This increased the percentage of correct practice trials from 76 to 97% (t (231) = 14.29, p < .001), but more encouragements like ‘Keep going!’ were needed (t (64) = 8.25, p < .001). After adding a cardboard demo in Study 2, the percentage of correct trials remained stable but the number of additional instructions given decreased (t (103) = 3.72, p < .001) as did the number of encouragements (t (103) = 8.32, p < .001). Therefore, changes in test design following children’s feedback significantly improved task understanding.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates measurable impact of involvement of very young children in research design through accessible activities. The changes implemented following their feedback significantly improved the understanding of our test. Our approach can inform researchers on how to involve young children in research design and can contribute to developing guidelines for involvement of young children in research.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ІНСТИТУЦІЙНОГО РЕПОЗИТАРІЮ ДЛЯ ФОРМУВАННЯ НАУКОВО-ДОСЛІДНИЦЬКОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ МАГІСТРІВ

У статті з’ясовано роль інституційних репозитаріїв у формуванні науково-дослідницької компетентності магістрів. Здійснено порівняльний аналіз функціонування двох ресурсних баз – eSNUIR (Східноєвропейський національний університет імені Лесі Українки) та іRBNAU (Білоцерківський національний аграрний університет), що працюють на основі системи Dspace. Охарактеризовано функції, які здатна виконувати ця інформаційно-комунікаційна технологія (ІКТ) в інноваційній діяльності студентів останнього курсу. Запропоновано модель методичної підтримки інституційним репозитарієм процесу формування науково-дослідницьких навичок магістрів на різних етапах їх діяльності: при виконанні практичних завдань, що мають дослідницький характер; в індивідуальній роботі та проєктній діяльності, участі в конференціях та семінарах; підготовці та публікації тез наукової доповіді; написанні та захисті магістерської роботи. Описано особливості інституційних репозитаріїв eSNUIR та іRBNAU щодо організації та надання освітніх послуг. Шляхом опитування магістрів Східноєвропейського національного університету імені Лесі Українки та Білоцерківського національного аграрного університету засвідчено достатньо високу частотність використання респондентами ресурсів університетських репозитаріїв у науково-дослідницькій діяльності. Доведено, що функціональні переваги електронних архівів (відкритий безоплатний доступ, структурування матеріалу, зручність роботи в будь-який час, можливість розміщення власних досліджень) сприяють науковій комунікації серед магістрів. Визначено окремі недоліки в організації роботи eSNUIR та іRBNAU з метою їх подальшої корекції для забезпечення більш якісного надання освітніх послуг, які сприятимуть саморозвитку та самоосвіті магістрів, набуттю ними відповідних компетенцій. Зазначено, що напрацювання відповідних стандартів мотивує молодих науковців до розміщення в архівах своїх праць, продукуючи інноваційно-дослідницьку роботу університету.

Industry-Academia Collaborative Teaching A Journey

Industries spend tremendous amount of time and money in converting a fresh graduate to a workable employee due to the gap between academic curriculum and industry needs. There is a growing demand for creating employable man power at university level by suitably augmenting the university curriculum. Organizations like CII, NASSCOM, National Skill Council of India, AICTE are stressing the need of imparting industry needed skills to engineering students in campus. Certain IT and related industries are increasing their focus to creating readily employable man-power rather than involvement in research activities with universities. This paper presents a case study of evolution of collaboration between industry, Govt agencies and the institute to impart industry-oriented training in campus, with an integrated curriculum. The paper provides a methodology for developing and implementing of the collaborative course delivery that can be adopted by different engineering studies. The success of the collaborative teaching has been shown by means of observed benefits using certain performance metrics.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Barriers of Research among Medical Students

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND:Understanding the concept of evidence-based medicine needs strong research knowledge. Yet, the emphasis of a research-oriented curriculum for undergraduate medical students is not developed to its fullest form. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude, experience, and the barriers of research among medical undergraduates. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among medical students. The study participants anonymously filled out a five-part questionnaire consisting of (1) demography 2) knowledge 3) attitude 4) practice 5) barriers). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 250 students took part in the study, of which 53.6% were males, and 46.4% were females. 47% was the knowledge score regarding the concept of research and its methodology. Sixty five percent agreed to the importance of research in medical school, and sixty three percent believed that research would facilitate a better understanding of the subject and clinical practice. Nearly 61% opined that research was not a waste of time and did not interfere in studies. Barriers for research were lack of awareness (62%), interest (57%), funds (56%), time (56%), and difficulty in follow-up of patients (45%). Almost 40% of students disagreed to lack of encouragement from the faculty. CONCLUSION: The study participants had fair knowledge regarding research and expressed a positive attitude towards involvement in research activity. Some of the barriers were lack of awareness, time, funds, and difficulty in patient follow-up. KEY WORDS: Awareness, barriers, medical undergraduates, research

Enhancing primary care services for diverse sexual and gender minority populations: a developmental study protocol

IntroductionCompared with heterosexual, cisgender populations, sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are more likely to suffer from serious health conditions and insufficient access to health services. Primary care is at...

Previous Involvement in Research and Knowledge Regarding Basic Research Methods Among Doctors Working at Primary Care in Central Region, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction:The cumulative outcomes of health research in the modern times had a huge effect on human health and longevity. The primary care physicians are the first point of contact between the health system and the society. Therefore their responsibility is higher to provide the latest information to their patients, in the context of rapidly changing field of medical science. Doctors are expected to have a basic knowledge of research methodology in order to develop a critical thinking and this is the rationale to include the research activity is an integral part of post-graduate medical training.Aim:We aimed to assess the previous involvement in research activities and knowledge in basic research methods among primary care physicians in central region, Saudi Arabia.Methods:It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted on a conveniently selected sample of doctors (N=80) working under general directorate of health affairs in Riyadh region, Ministry of Health. The data was collected through a pre-designed, self-administered survey instrument containing closed ended questions.Results:The mean age of the physicians was observed to be 44.7 ± 9.6 years. About 32% doctors had previous experience of writing a research proposal while only 20% had any publication in a scientific journal. About 45% had attended workshop on research methodology within last five years. Only one item related to ‘consent in medical research’ was answered correctly by 60% respondents. The correct responses in other knowledge items scored less than 50% (ranging from 18.8% to 37.5%). The proportion of doctors having any publication was observed to significantly higher among younger age (p<0.05). Significantly higher proportion was observed for “having experience of proposal writing” and “paper presentation in a scientific conference” among family medicine and other specialties as compared to general practice (p<0.05).Conclusion:We found low previous engagement with research among doctors with low level of knowledge regarding basic research methods. This was particularly evident among general practitioners as compared specialist doctors. Regular conduction of research workshop with encouragement to undertake small research activities at the primary care should be promoted.

Сопоставление рассказа А.С. Грина «Зеленая лампа» и его экранизации на уроке литературы в 8 классе

In the year of the 140th anniversary of A.S. Green’s birth, studying his works at school are as relevant as ever. Over the years, the reader’s interest in the writer’s work has not faded, and there are more opportunities for effective study of his works: for example, comparison with a film interpretation clarifies the analysis of the text and contributes to the emergence of the students’ own reading interpretation. The aim of the article is to describe the experience of studying A.S. Green’s story “Green lamp” by the 8th grade students, the educational and educational potential of which is evaluated and recognized by the methodology of teaching literature. The focus is put on the comparative analysis of the story and its film adaptation. The article uses the following methods: descriptive and analytical when discussing the visual and expressive possibilities of the film “Green lamp”, a method for comparing the implementation of the metaphor on which the story is based, in the text and on the screen. At the same time, the emphasis is placed on the possibilities of cinematography, and the Director’s interpretation becomes the “starting point” for formulating the questions and tasks offered to students. Experimental verification of the effectiveness of the developed tasks showed a high interest of students’ in their performance, the appearance of deeper and more accurate answers, active involvement in research and creative activities. The article focuses on the possibilities of comparing the text with the screen version as a methodological technique that contributes to the literary development of students. This approach to the organization of analytical and interpretive activities at the literature lesson, in our view, allows us to overcome the age restrictions associated with understanding the author’s idea. The results of the lesson on comparison show that the film impressions of schoolchildren change the character of the reader’s perception, enrich and deepen the study of the story of A.S. Green’s.

'Our voice started off as a whisper and now it is a great big roar': The Salford Dementia Associate Panel as a model of involvement in research activities.

This paper presents the work of the ‘Salford Dementia Associate Panel’, based at the Salford Institute for Dementia, Salford University (UK). We discuss the roles of the Dementia Associates, in particular around the areas of engagement and research. The panel is made up of people living with dementia, and current and former care partners. It highlights the development of this group over a four-year period and demonstrates over time how the role of a Dementia Associate member has evolved. The panel is involved in research, education and public engagement activities conducted by staff and students within the Institute. The motivations for becoming involved are clearly articulated and demonstrate how the personal backgrounds of individuals have driven the collective involvement and desire to bring about change. The benefits and challenges associated with working as part of a panel are discussed. We conclude by bringing together our experiences as a set of suggestions for others who may wish to create a similar forum to promote the involvement of people living with dementia and former and current care partners.

Clinicians’ Self-Reported Practices Related to End-of-Life Care for Infants in NICUs in Jordan

ObjectiveTo examine how clinical decisions are made at the end of life for infants born with specific fatal and disabling conditions in NICUs in Jordan from the perspectives of neonatal health care providers. DesignA cross-sectional survey of neonatal nurses and physicians. SettingTwenty-four NICUs in Jordan. ParticipantsParticipants included 213 nurses and 75 physicians who provided direct care for infants in NICUs. MethodsUsing the EURONIC questionnaire, we asked participants to recall the last experiences of end-of-life decision making in which they were involved. The participants described factors and outcomes related to those experiences, and we used descriptive and inferential statistics to examine these factors. ResultsIn 83% of the recalled situations, the physicians in charge of the infants’ care or who were on duty were the primary decision makers. Parents, nurses, ethics committees, and NICU heads were less involved. The infants’ primary diagnoses were significantly associated with the nature of decisions regarding end-of-life care (p < .001). Age, importance of religion, having their own children, and involvement in research activities were factors that significantly predicted nurses’ perceived levels of involvement in decision making (χ2[4] = 23.140, p < .001). ConclusionOur results suggest the need to improve clinical approaches to decision making regarding end-of-life care for infants in NICUs in Jordan to be more family focused and team based. This process should include parents, physicians, neonatal nurses, and ethics committees.

Drawing straight lines along blurred boundaries: qualitative research, patient and public involvement in medical research, co-production and co-design

Biomedical research policy in many countries has adopted the principle of active involvement in research. However, how different approaches to involvement such as patient and public involvement/engagement (PPIE), qualitative research, participatory research, co-design and co-production sit alongside each other, is contentious and unclear. There has also been a subtle shift in the discourse, with the language of co-design and co-production used more widely in debates about involvement. This shift has surfaced once again debates about what counts as meaningful involvement. In this paper we seek to contribute to this debate by exploring boundaries and overlaps between them. We suggest that they share some underpinning philosophies and all are prone to be challenged on the grounds of tokenism despite avowed good intentions. We argue that these different approaches are not necessarily as distinct as is often advocated and question whether there is merit in this family of marginalised approaches working more collaboratively to give patient voices greater traction. At the same time, we recognise that this creates challenges and tensions.

Competition of research and creative works as a form of self-realization of students

At the present stage of development of science, there is a need to develop theoretical and methodological grounds for intensifying the competition of research and creative works as a form of self-realization of students, defining ways of multipurpose involvement of students in research activities taking into account social realities that actualize the disclosure of ways to optimize and creative possibilities of a student in the professional and cognitive development and transformation of the surrounding world (with the updated azovatelnyh guidelines (research component in training, education entities active involvement in research activity).The article from the perspective of modern pedagogical science actualizes the possibility of competition as a form of self-realization of research activities of students of educational institutions of higher education (undergraduate level) in a modern university; analyzed the concept of "competition", which is investigated in modern edu cational theory; analyzes the direction and effectiveness of the competition organized in the space of the university;modern approaches to the content and organization of research activities of students of a pedagogical university in the context of the humanistic potential of the creative heritage of the teacher-researcher V.A. Sukhomlinsky. The positions of the creative heritage of the pedagogical thought of V.A. Sukhomlinsky in relation to the modern reading of their students.The practical significance of the research problem is confirmed by the fact that the developed conclusions can be used by scientific and pedagogical workers of the multilevel education system in determining areas and mechanisms that optimize the process of scientific and educational activities of bachelors in accordance with the requirements of the GEF for the purposeful mastery of the competence of scientific research in the context of optimal implementation of scientific strategies for learning, mastering the basic competences of scientific research are treacherous activities.

Getting started in research, redefined: five questions for clinically focused physicians in family medicine.

Research is crucial to the development of family medicine around the world. However, family physicians in practice often hesitate to enter into investigative endeavours. Common reasons for such hesitation include limited exposure to the process of conducting research and the belief that research is best conducted by academic scholars. Our intent here is to encourage clinically focused family physicians’ involvement in research activities by explaining how they can cultivate inquisitiveness so as to develop questions for exploration. We present an approach to research that focuses on five steps emergent from the day-to-day, habitual practice of family medicine, wherever in the world it is practised. We illustrate this approach by describing a successful practice-based research study. We conclude by inviting all family physicians to consider integrating research into their practice lives so as to expand their professional horizons and help educate the next generation of global family physicians.

Differences in students’ experiences of research involvement: study years and disciplines compared

ABSTRACTIntegrating professional research into higher education is supposed to intellectually benefit students. However, the literature suggests that students in different academic disciplines experience differing research opportunities. Previous studies have shown how junior students of natural sciences have less opportunity to engage in research than students in ‘soft’ disciplines. To investigate research involvement, undergraduate students (N = 2192) of all seven faculties of a university filled out a survey that included the Research Experience Scale. This scale provides four types of potential research involvement comprised of passive involvement and three types of active research involvement. The categorisation of disciplines was based on the framework constructed by Anthony Biglan, with its distinction between hard/soft and life/nonlife criteria. All disciplines included in this study were applied, thereby excluding Biglan’s pure/applied distinction. A betweengroup analysis showed that each of the types of research involvement yielded a different pattern for students from different study years. The ‘students-as-researcher’ type in particular showed that students of lower study years in the life disciplines were systematically less involved than more senior students. These findings highlight the importance of more precise definitions of research involvement, as well as clearer distinctions between disciplinary differences in research and curriculum design.

Knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers toward research among medical students: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Introduction:Research in medicine has an impact on prevention, diagnosis, and newer treatment for the medical ailments. It has brought reforms in policies for health-care programs. Involvement of undergraduates in research was less, so this study was planned to determine the factors and their perception toward the same.Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude, experience, and the barriers of research among medical undergraduates.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted after the protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and obtaining written informed consent from participants. The predesigned validated questionnaire containing 34 questions was used. Filled questionnaires were received from the medical undergraduates of different phases of MBBS from our institute. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:A total of 89% (267/300) responded, 140/267 were females. The knowledge score regarding the concept of research and its methodology was 2405/3458 (70%). Sixty percent strongly agreed to include research in undergraduate curriculum, 57% believed that it would facilitate better understanding of the subject and clinical practice (41%). Nearly 56% opined that research was not waste of time and does not interfere in studies. Barriers for research were lack of awareness (53%), interest (54%), funds (62%), time (59%), and difficulty in follow-up of patients (67%). Almost 59% of students disagreed to lack of encouragement by faculty.Conclusion:Most of the participants had knowledge regarding research and expressed positive attitude toward involvement in research activity. Some of barriers were lack of awareness, time, funds, and difficulty in patient follow-up.

Developing Geriatric Nursing Competency Using Information and Communication Technology: Focusing on a Case of Depression Assessment

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe problems and solutions for older adults living alone and using wearable devices to report depressive moods in daily life. In addition, gerontology nurses' competencies and strategies were discussed based on lessons learned from the observational study. Methods A hybrid method was used, combining literature review and content analyses based on interviews with 53 participants and observations done by the research team. Results Main issues and relevant strategies were identified in terms of (1) applicability of information and communications technology (ICT) devices for older adults, (2) feasibility of older adults' use of ICT devices, (3) integration of ICT devices into daily life, and (4) relevant issues when older adults use ICT. Important roles and competencies were discussed regarding general and gerontology aspects of ICT. Conclusion Findings indicate that a wearable device is feasible to measure daily depressive moods in older adults living alone in community settings. To extend our research protocol to practice, gerontology nurses must adequately prepare to meet emerging health care trends and end users’ needs for ICT-based nursing. It is necessary to develop diverse educational programs and active involvement in research and design of relevant devices and programs. 주요어: 컴퓨터 ì‚¬ìš©ëŠ¥ë ¥, ì •ë³´í†µì‹ ê¸°ìˆ , 간호교육 Key Words: Computer literacy, Information technology, Education, Nursing

Public involvement in health and social sciences research: A concept analysis.

BackgroundResearch funding bodies have significantly increased emphasis on the need for public involvement in research with the requirement to evidence effective methods and approaches to achieving this. Specific definitions and approaches within published research remain tokenistic and vague.ObjectiveThe concept analysis explores and clarifies the nature and meaning of public involvement in health and social sciences research and identifies operational definitions which can be used to guide, develop and evaluate public involvement in research activity.Search strategyA literature search was conducted using online databases. Systematic literature reviews and broader studies on the impact of PPI were included as was grey literature such as guidance from INVOLVE and research funding bodies. Limits were set to papers published in the last 10 years and in the English language. A concept analysis framework adapted from Rodgers (Concept Development in Nursing: Foundations, Techniques and Applications. London, UK: Saunders; 2000) and Walker and Avant (Strategies for Theory construction in Nursing. Boston, MA: Pearson Prentice Hall; 2005) was applied.Main resultsFive operational definitions were developed from the concept analysis: undefined involvement; targeted consultation; embedded consultation; co‐production; and user‐led research. Typical examples of each approach were identified from the literature. Defining attributes included having clear and agreed meaning and purpose for any involvement; reciprocal relationships; and value and recognition of the expertise of all those involved.ConclusionsThe authors argue the need for researchers to more explicitly incorporate and evaluate details of approaches used. Impact of public involvement on a research study should be identified when reporting on findings to prevent tokenistic practices where involvement is viewed as secondary to the core research process.