Research Design and Statistics in Speech-Language Pathology

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key concepts related to research design and statistics in speech-language pathology.

Evidence-Based Practice

An approach in speech-language pathology that emphasizes the use of scientifically researched methods for assessment and intervention.

Empiricism

The philosophical position that knowledge is based on sensory experience and needs experimental or observational evidence.

Determinism

The principle that all events are caused by preceding events, thus not occurring randomly.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through research and experimentation.

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The outcome or effect that is measured in an experiment, affected by changes in the independent variable.

Validity

The degree to which a research instrument measures what it purports to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure, indicating that it produces stable and consistent results under the same conditions.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data that captures attributes or characteristics in non-numerical form.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that quantifies variables and can be used to perform statistical analysis.

Null Hypothesis

A statement asserting that there is no relationship between two variables.

Alternative Hypothesis

A statement indicating that there is a relationship between two variables, suggesting one may cause the other.

Inductive Reasoning

An approach where the researcher makes observations and develops theories based on the findings.

Deductive Reasoning

An approach where the researcher starts with a theory and tests it through collecting data.

Single-Subject Design

An experimental design focusing on the performance of individual participants rather than group averages.

Multigroup Pretest-Posttest Design

An experimental design that evaluates the effectiveness of multiple treatments by comparing various groups before and after a treatment.

Hawthorne Effect

A phenomenon where participants modify their behavior because they are aware they are being studied.

Correlational Research

Research that examines the relationship between two or more variables but does not establish cause and effect.

Case Study

An in-depth exploration of a specific individual, group, or event, used to gather detailed qualitative data.

Survey Research

A research method that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires or interviews.

Descriptive Research

A type of research that aims to describe phenomena without manipulating variables.

Experimental Research

Research that manipulates one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable.

Statistical Significance

A mathematical indication that a result is unlikely to have occurred by chance, often evaluated with a p-value.