Research curriculum for residents based on the structure of the scientific method

An understanding of the basic tenets of research is an important aspect of advanced training in medicine. Many US residency programs now have a research requirement as part of their educational experience. The purpose of this requirement is to introduce young physicians to the methods of medical research. The structure of this 'general form' of the Scientific Method provides an excellent outline for constructing a coherent research curriculum for residents. Within this outline, research methods and techniques fit into a scheme that allows the resident to see a more complete picture of modern scientific investigation without getting lost in the details of the process. In this curriculum system, all training is first centered around the place within the method and only then focuses on details of the subject to be covered.