Lecture 1: Research Methods

Question 1

What is Research?

Answer 1

An organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions.

Question 2

What are the purposes of research?

Answer 2

• To gather information.
• To develop new knowledge.
• To make a sound decision or judgement.

Question 3

What does the PICO method stand for?

Answer 3

• Patient/Population
  
  • Characteristics
  • Health status
  • Concerns
• Intervention
  
  • Test/treatment
• Comparison
  
  • Alternative choice
• Outcome
  
  • Measurable results

Question 4

What are the key components for developing a research question?

Answer 4

• Rationale
  
  • Theoretical basis
• Importance
  
  • Clinical implication
• Answerable
  
  • Variables can be identified/measured
• Feasible
  
  • Required resources

Question 5

What is a ‘Null hypothesis’ (H0)?

Answer 5

A statement of no difference or relationship that the study is designed to test. (Nothing happened)

Question 6

What is a ‘Research/Alternative hypothesis’ (H1/HA)?

Answer 6

The logical state of reality that must exist if the null hypothesis is not true. (Something happened)

Question 7

What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

Directional hypothesis: Predicts the direction of the relationship

Question 8

What is the difference between non-experimental and experimental research?

Answer 8

• Non-experimental: No treatment or intervention (data collected as they naturally exist).
• Experimental: Involves manipulation of the independent variable to determine cause and effect.

Question 9

What is a cross-sectional study?

Answer 9

A study that takes place at one point in time, measuring information once on different subject groups.

Question 10

What is a longitudinal study?

Answer 10

Repeated measures at different points in time, with measurements repeated on the same subjects/groups.

Question 11

What type of research question is descriptive?

Answer 11

Describe a sample or population, e.g., characteristics of patients who attend an outpatient clinic.

Question 12

What is an exploratory research question?

Answer 12

Study a relationship, e.g., pain and disability, such as pain scores correlated with disability scores.

Question 13

What is an experimental research question?

Answer 13

Determine cause & effect, e.g., early ADL training and its effect on hospital stay.