A Research Proposal for Bridging Chinese Traditional Health Methods with their Western Counterparts - Essay Example

Building Bridges: A Research Proposal for Bridging Chinese Traditional Health Methods with their Western Counterparts YOUR FULL YOUR INSTITUION OR SCHOOLSUBJECTPROFESSORDATEBuilding Bridges: A Research Proposal for Bridging Chinese Traditional Health Methods with their Western CounterpartsConsidering the differences in philosophy, methodology, and efficacy between traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western medical treatment, this proposal will offer a description of a research question that is designed to investigate the similarities between the two as well as opportunities for bridging the differences.

Once the proposed research is finished, there will be a better understanding of how these two different approaches to medicine can be combined in a useful way, benefiting the science of medicine as well as the public. Background. For centuries, humans have attempted to help each other through the use of medicines and therapies. The desire to cure disease and heal wounds has resulted in the development of medical systems and philosophies reflecting various cultures. In China, the traditional approach to aiding the sick is very different from the Western system.

Each has embraced different philosophies of care, and yet neither has fully recognized the value of the other system's approaches. In this environment of institutional suspicion, there lies an opportunity to investigate ways of bringing the two disparate schools of thought together.Purpose. The objectives of this research will be to investigate those areas of traditional Chinese medicine that are compatible with Western medical practice. Specifically, the research will focus on bridging the divide that exists between the two schools of thought and seek to find ways of bringing them together in a manner that harnesses the strengths of both.

Neither system is perfect in its concepts; perhaps together, a more effective medical approach could be found that would benefit all.Target Population and Sample Size. The target population for this research will be practitioners of both disciplines. The sample size will be as large as practicable, given the time and cost constraints related to the project, but will seek to question at least 500 individuals so as to provide sufficient data for analysis.Study Type and Methodology. The research proposed in this study will be structured along the lines of standard exploratory methods, combining both primary and secondary research sources.

Initially, a literature review will inform the research by providing a comprehensive study of current scholarship to see what efforts are currently being made to understand the differences between the two disciplines. At that point, a questionnaire will be developed for practitioners of both disciplines with the objective of discovering points of commonality as well as willingness on both sides to explore ways of finding mutually beneficial methodologies. Finally, a conclusion will be offered regarding ways to bring the two disciplines together.

Potential Benefits. The benefits of this research will two-fold. First, it will promote understanding and collaboration on the part of practitioners of both medical practices. Second, successfully bridging the two disciplines will offer the general public an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the best practices of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine.ReferencesBenz, C.R. & Newman, I. (1998) Qualitative-Quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press