The Evolution, Implementation, and Impact of Representative Research Practices in Anatomy

While anatomists, globally, are working to
improve inclusive practice, the unique challenges faced by this discipline can form a barrier to
sustained progress. This chapter
explores the critical importance of representative research practices in anatomy, discussing
its principles, challenges, and implementation
strategies. Examining the historical context of
exclusion and bias in anatomical studies highlights how past practices have shaped current
inequalities, contextualising the current move
towards representative research.
Key topics include the evolution of inclusive practices in anatomy curricula, barriers to
implementing representative research (such as
institutional constraints and implicit biases),
and practical guidance on conducting representative research, including participant
recruitment and data analysis. A case study on
demographic data collection emphasises the
complexities of identity categorisation.
The chapter presents frameworks for evaluating the inclusivity of research practices and
offers concrete suggestions for incorporating
representative approaches into various teaching modalities. It explores the integration of
representative research principles into anatomy education through the research-teaching
nexus, mapping this onto established educational models like Bloom’s Taxonomy and
Miller’s Pyramid.
Representative research is not only an ethical imperative but also crucial for advancing
anatomical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes for diverse populations. By
applying principles of representative research,
anatomists can contribute to a more inclusive
and equitable understanding of human anatomy. The authors hope that by providing both theoretical context and practical advice, this
chapter serves as a practical guide for anatomists seeking to adopt more inclusive and
equitable practices in their work.