Research Overview Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 different ways of knowing something
A
1) faith
2) reason
3) science
2
Q
Define faith
A
- knowing based on theological or religious beliefs
3
Q
Define reason
A
- knowing based on rational discourse; logic, argument, philosophical proof
4
Q
Define science
A
- knowing based on empirical evidence; assumptions of linearity, probability, & ability to measure an objective reality
5
Q
What is scientific paradigm based on
A
- trust in reason, logic, rigorous research methodology, a belief in progress, and academic freedom
6
Q
Define research
A
- is the careful, logical, and systematic process of investigation
7
Q
Define empirical research
A
- is an approach to problem solving in which decisions are based on data from observations/experiments, data analysis, results, findings/conclusions established, and results influence future research
8
Q
Define applied research
A
- offers direct clinical applicability
- can be in lab or non-lab settings designed to replicate authentic & functioning environments
- goal is to provide direct solutions to practical problems & contribute to theory-based knowledge
9
Q
Define basic research
A
- little direct clinical application
- takes place in a controlled lab
- goal is to address theoretical issues or to explain questions in basic science
10
Q
Limits to research
A
- answers to research questions are only as good as the questions asked
- data collected is only as accurate as the tools & methods used to collect it
- results of research are only as accurate as the statistical analyses used to test it
- research is limited by (& dependent upon) the accuracy, validity, & reliability of each step in the process
11
Q
Define reliability
A
- an experiment where you can repeat it many times & get all results close to one another
12
Q
Define validity
A
- does my procedure experiment actually test the hypothesis that I want it to
13
Q
Describe research
A
- lends supportive evidence about the nature of relationships among variables
- is a process of investigation, determining how one variable affects or influences another
- is planned & procedural
- a deliberate series of steps completed in an exact order to confirm precise measurements
- is subject to & intended for replication in order to be reliable & valid
14
Q
Studying research allows you to
A
- understand how to find possible answers to a question
- understand why actual steps in inserting the question are important
- provide a framework for the process of acquiring knowledge through problem solving
- learn how to apply research methods in realistic circumstances
- learn how to follow an evidence-based approach to problem solving
- allow well informed decision-making in clinical practice
15
Q
What is not research
A
- case studies
- just sharing observations
- if I have a question & use case studies to answer it
16
Q
Role of theory in research
A
- theory can be a goal or guide to research
- the role of theory in research is to provide a frame of reference
- answers that result from research are formulated into theory
- theory is a tentative explanation for the facts & findings that evolve from the research process
- theory is used to guide & direct future research
17
Q
How do parents choose a treatment for their child with autism
A
- recommendation by pediatrician or other doctor
- school
- other parent
- internet, book
18
Q
What is evidence based practice
A
- a process whereby research evidence, clinical knowledge & reasoning are used to make decisions about interventions that are effective for a specific client(s)
19
Q
Describe empirical evidence
A
- the phase “evidence-based practice” is used in reference to establishing performance procedures & techniques derived from empirical research rather than clinical traditions based on anecdotal proof of effectiveness
- findings from empirical research are interpreted, applied, & integrated into clinical practice
20
Q
Why is evidence based practice important
A
- clinical decisions can be clearly explained & justified to clients & their families
- demonstrate interventions are clinically & cost effective to colleagues, managers, & administration
- maintaining & improving therapists knowledge base & the evidence base of PT for the future
21
Q
Stages of the scientific research process
A
1) identify a topic
2) search & review the literature
3) define a topic
4) state a general question or problem
5) phrase an operationally defined hypothesis
6) plan the methods to test the hypothesis
7) collect data
8) analyze data & interpret the results
9) write about the findings
22
Q
Describe stage 1: identify a topic
A
- choose a subject/topic that interests you
- start with a general topic & then narrow it down to a more specific topic
- stay open-minded
23
Q
Describe stage 2: search & review the literature
A
- begin with a board, general search
- as the search narrows, the topic will become more defined
24
Q
Describe stage 3: define a topic
A
- decide on a particular & detailed issue or question
- avoid vagueness & lack of clarity
- the topic will direct the formation of your problem statement
25
Q
Describe stage 4: state general question or problem
A
- the problem statement is a deliberate & understandable explanation that expresses the question or issue of interest in definite terms
- the problem statement should be one sentence long
- it formally announces the intention or reason for your investigation
- it clearly states the main topic & point of the study
- it briefly notes the “what” & “why” of the experiment
- if the purpose cannot be explained in 30 secs or fewer, then the topic & problem statement have not been clearly defined
26
Q
Describe stage 5: phrase an operationally defined hypothesis
A
- the operationally defined research hypothesis is logically connected to the topic & links directly to the statement of the problem
- the purpose of the research hypothesis is to depict the expected connection among or between variables of interest
- it’s considered “operationally defined” bc it must follow operational definitions stated for words or phrases that might be used differently from their usual or explicit meanings
27
Q
Describe stage 6: plan the methods to test the hypothesis
A
- search & review existing literature to provide perspective on how similar questions or problems have been examined in the past & help in planning the methods to test the hypothesis of the current study
- the methods must focus on the variables of interest & how these variables will be measured or evaluated so as to best answer the research question
- research questions drive the research methods & the methods need to be flexible, broad, & available for clinic use
28
Q
Describe stage 7: data collection
A
- information about the variables of interest is carefully gathered & documented
- the methods & procedures for collecting the data have been planned; it is during this stage that the methods & procedures are followed & carried out
29
Q
Describe stage 8: data analysis & interpretation of results
A
- keep in mind the general question that was being asked or the problem that was being addressed in. the study or experiment
- statistics are used to merge research methods & data analysis at the same time & at every level of the research process; this helps generate clinically significant research questions
30
Q
Describe stage 9: writing about the findings
A
- if something of interest was measured, what was the outcome
- how did one variable influence or change another
- regardless of the results, it is important to stick to the facts & report what was found
31
Q
What is empirical research
A
- it is a problem solving method for decision making
32
Q
What are evidence based clinical practices based on
A
- based on tested relationships & logical, deductive reasoning
33
Q
What does research lend
A
- it lends supportive evidence for already existing relationships b/w variables
34
Q
Research does/does not prove anything
A
- does not
35
Q
What must happen for research to be reliable
A
- research results must be repeatable
36
Q
What should problem statements do
A
- they should formally announce the intention of the research question
37
Q
Evidence based practice is the process by which
A
- decisions about clinical practice are supported by research
