Research at the Matthew J. Taylor Institute

Research is a foundational element of the Matthew J. Taylor Institute (MJTI). Dr. Taylor´s experience in his quantitative Masters project and action research of his Doctoral dissertation gave him a broad perspective on research. Nationally, positions on research seemed to have polarized in recent years. One extreme argues that only random controlled trials (RCT´s) qualify as evidence in medicine while the other dismisses research as too constraining and a tool to control markets and products and therefore points only toward anecdotal personal experience.

The MJTI recognizes the need for research as an essential part of healthcare reform. We no longer have the misconception of unlimited resources being available for healthcare. Given that reality, any system or method must demonstrate efficacy through the varied levels of evidence. That said, evidence must maintain the balance of research, clinical mastery and patient values. Each of those aspects is amenable to inquiry if the proper tools and methods of research are understood and employed.

Put simply, both individual and organizational health is too complex to be only examined by RCT´s AND we cannot afford to pursue every technique that produces a positive experience

Research generated the concept of the MJTI and in its mission research will be a central function of the MJTI. A certification in the DSR Method^TM will have a requirement for understanding mixed methods and action research. Certification will also require the completion of a publishable client case study to begin to seed future research.

You may read about Matthew´s dissertation study based on active research methodology and the two current research projects he is functioning as a investigator here. Presently he is involved in an organizational change study to determine if mind~body principles applied at an organizational level can produce enhanced health in an organization. His other study is in collaboration with Rutger´s University on exploring and documenting via fMRI if previously undescribed neural pathways of proprioception and conscious awareness exist in a spinal cord injured subject.