OT 781 - Framing Research Questions

What is the first step of literature review?

Acknowledge and critically appraise existing knowledge

Clinical Questions Examples

• What level of functioning can I expect for my client who is recovering from a left-CVA?

• Will the Ergo-Star keyboard help in reducing pain and improving proper posture for my client with medial epicondylitis?

• Will music have a calming effect on a child with severe behavior problems?

Clinical Questions

• Focus on one person (the client) 

• Takes into account unique contextual and client factors 

• Answers cannot be generalized to other clients

Research Questions

• Focuses on a group of people

• Can focus on client, contextual OR treatment factors

  • But only ONE is the primary focus

• Generalization to a larger group is a goal

Research questions are…

Answerable

Research questions should be…

Scientifically studied

Research questions use what kind of variables?

Definable

Research questions CAN be done if

You have to have potential participants to conduct a study, Resources (know-how, staff, computers, software)

Research questions SHOULD be done if

The study adds to the body of OT knowledge, New knowledge can be used to improve OT theory & practice

What is a prediction?

Making an educated guess about a future event

What does PICO stand for?

• Population

• Intervention

• Control/Comparison Group 

• Outcome

What is PICO?

The framework, strategy to ask well developed, clinically relevant questions. A good intervention-based question should include all 4 elements.

The PICO method ONLY works for questions related to _______?

Interventions

What does SPIDER stand for?

• Sample

• Phenomenon of Interest

• Design of Data Collection

• Evaluation

• Research Type

What is SPIDER?

Useful for qualitative research, Can be used to frame the question or brainstorm research design

What does PEO stand for?

• Population 

• Exposure

• Outcome