An audit is the process used to determine if a specific task is being carried out in the correct manner and if the proper rules, guidelines, and practices are being followed. It is a systematic method used to review various tasks, processes, and procedures to ensure they are being carried out as they should and to discover avenues for improvement. In contrast, research evaluates what is currently being done, what has been done earlier by past scholars, and involves conducting additional experimentation and investigation to contribute to an already established body of knowledge. It involves a lot of experimentation on new ideas and reviewing past materials to understand gaps in knowledge in the existing materials, methods, or procedures.
Key Takeaways
- An audit focuses on evaluating and analyzing existing tasks and procedures, while research aims to develop new procedures and more effective ways of carrying out tasks.
- The aim of an audit is to determine whether standards and procedures are being followed and if a task is completed properly, while the aim of research is to add to a body of research and increase the amount of knowledge and learning available on a specific subject matter.
- Audits measure tasks and procedures against a set standard, while research aims to test the hypothesis established by the researcher when beginning their experiments.
