Week 2: The Relationship between Research, Theory and Practice

Question 1

What is the process involved with designing a psychological solution to a problem?

Answer 1

• Collect information

Question 2

Define a theory

Answer 2

A set of interrelated concepts, definitions and propositions that present a systematic view of events or solutions by specifying relations among variables, in order to explain and predict events or situations

Question 3

What are the goals of a good theory?

Answer 3

Explain observed and known behaviour, predict future human behaviour, and are testable and verifiable/falsifiable

Question 4

Define research

Answer 4

Activities conducted for the purpose of contributing towards science by the systematic collection, interpretation and evaluation of data in a planned manner

Question 5

What are the scientific principles

Answer 5

Pose significant questions that can be investigated empirically

Link research to relevant theory

Use methods that permit direct investigation of the question

Provide a coherent and explicit chain of reasoning

Replicate and generalise across studies

Disclose research to encourage professional scrutiny and critique

Question 6

What are the goals of research?

Answer 6

An activity related to collection of evidence/data, feeds back to theory, and is guided by a set of scientific principles

Question 8

What are 5 relationships between theory, research and practice?

Answer 8

1. Theoretical research
2. Applied research
3. Evidence-based practice
4. Practice-based evidence
5. Reflective practice

Question 9

Define theoretical research

Answer 9

Research conducted to obtain greater understanding of a phenomenon, explore a theory, or advance knowledge, with no consideration of any direct practical knowledge (knowledge for knowledge’s sake)

Question 10

What is applied research, and provide an example

Answer 10

When a problem is identified in the real world, then a need for research is recognised, and then that research is conducted. An example is ‘which strategies work best to motivate workers?’

Question 11

Define evidence-based practice

Answer 11

The integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences

Question 12

What are the three elements of evidence-based practice?

Answer 12

Best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and context of the client (characteristics, culture, preferences, etc)

Question 13

What is practice-based evidence?

Answer 13

The use of clinical expertise, the synthesis of evidence obtained from programs with similar (but not necessarily the same) aims and outcomes, and the gathering of evidence during practice. Highly effective service providers who are observant, alert and attentive to client feedback can use this evidence to modify practice and achieve better results.

Question 15

Define reflective practice

Answer 15

A methos of assessing our own thoughts and actions, for the purpose of personal learning and development.

Question 16

What is the acronym utilised for reflective practice?

Answer 16

SEAL

Situation
Effect
Action
Learning

Question 17

What are some questions to ask during self-reflection?

Answer 17

What is the task/challenge?
What transferable skills do I have to meet this challenge?
What action did I take?
How well did I perform?
What could I improve for next time/where can I find help?

Question 18

What is the difference between evidence-based practice, and practice-based evidence?

Answer 18

Evidence-based practice is evidence for practice, whereas practice-based evidence is evidence from practice.