Non-researcher
A non-researcher is an individual who is not actively engaged in conducting scientific, scholarly, or systematic investigation to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, or the like. This encompasses a broad spectrum of individuals across various professions and walks of life, including those whose primary responsibilities lie outside of research endeavors. Their roles often involve the application, implementation, or support of knowledge and findings generated by researchers, rather than the creation of new knowledge themselves. They may interact with research results, but are not personally involved in the methodology.
Non-researcher meaning with examples
- Teachers, doctors, and engineers are examples of non-researchers who apply existing knowledge. Teachers disseminate established principles, doctors use evidence-based treatments, and engineers build based on scientific understanding. Their work depends on what researchers discover, but their main focus isn't to add to scientific understanding.
- Many project managers and administrative staff within research institutions also fit the description of non-researchers. Their tasks contribute greatly, but are mainly on logistical and management roles. Their function is to provide the framework, rather than contributing new research. This often entails ensuring projects.
- The general public can be considered non-researchers. While they might read articles or consume media related to research, they typically do not engage in the act of gathering data or carrying out investigations. They are the consumers of the results of research.
- Software developers and data analysts, while often dealing with data, can sometimes be categorised as non-researchers. If their primary responsibility is to build tools or analyse data produced by others, they may not be involved in original scientific investigation, even if data analytics is a related tool.
- Consultants working in a specific industry frequently utilize research findings, but their role is to provide advice and implement solutions based on existing knowledge, not to develop new research findings. This means they help apply research findings but don't directly add to them.