Which activity falls within the TCPS 2 definition of research?

• A. A pilot study to address that research question, and gets a small group of individuals to take part in the study.
• B. Attending a conference
• C. Completing a routine form
• D. Reading a textbook

Answer: (A)

Under TCPS 2, research is a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge and that involves humans or human data. A pilot study fits this definition because it uses a planned, systematic approach to collect data from participants to answer a research question and to refine methods, with the aim of producing findings that could apply beyond the specific study. Attending a conference involves sharing existing findings rather than generating new data. Completing a routine form is typically administrative data collection, not a structured inquiry aimed at broader knowledge. Reading a textbook is learning from existing information, not conducting new research with participants. So the pilot study is the activity that aligns with the TCPS 2 definition of research.