CPRP Practice Exam Prep – Certified Park and Recreation Professional Study Guide

Research, within the context of fieldwork, is defined as a systematic investigation of a problem. This definition emphasizes the structured approach taken to gather data, analyze information, and draw conclusions about a specific issue. It involves using established methodologies, which could include qualitative or quantitative techniques, to ensure that findings are reliable, valid, and can be replicated.

The systematic aspect means that research follows a defined process or protocol, often with specific objectives and hypotheses in mind. This is critical in informing decision-making and policy development in the field of park and recreation, where understanding a problem thoroughly can lead to effective solutions.

In contrast, casual observation of trends lacks the rigor and structure of systematic research, while random sampling of community opinions may not fully address the complexities of a problem without a well-defined framework. Surveying past project successes, although valuable, does not constitute research in the same way because it focuses on historical data rather than gathering new insights to investigate current issues. Therefore, the most accurate characterization of research in this field is the systematic investigation of a problem.