Research Methods wk1/wk2

The Scientific Method

Steps we take to get to s conclusion, based on data

Highest form of acquiring research

Scientific research

Systematic and controlled

Investigation conducted in manner that rules out other alternative explanations

Empirical

Beliefs must be challenged or tested by outside tests

Amoral

Research has no moral value, neither good nor bad

Public

Research evaluated by independent individuals

2 lines of enquiry

Empiricism and rationalism

Empericism

Knowledge gained through experience

Example of Empericism

-language sample to conduct MLU

-assessment tools for data

-clinical intervention because it was proven to work in a study

Rationalism

Gained through logical thought

Example of Rationalism

-langauge development theory, this is how langauge should develop for a child this age so that is how it will for all children

Basic research

Who, what, why questions

-empirical data

What do we typically read?

Applied research

Example of Basic research question?

How does degree of lingual frenulum restriction affect clarity of alveolar speech sounds?

Applied research

Answering 1 specific questions

-empirical methods, like experiments to collect data

Example of Applied research question

What is the benefit of using client lead approach in therapy?

Clinical research hybrid meaning...

Uses basic and applied

Experimental research

Compares 2 or more conditions to determine cause and relationship and to draw conclusions about observed differences

What is the gold standard experimental research?

Randomized control trial (RCT)

-treatment group and control group

Exploratory Research

Explores data, just looking for information

Descriptive research

Aims to describe or define the topic, why does it work the way it does

Hierarchy of Evidence

Level I highest level of trustworthy research, all the way down to Level VI (not as trustworthy)

Level 1- RCT

Level VI- expert opinion

3 Scientific Principles

Testability, replication, objectivity

Testability

Can it be tested or measurable

Replication

Findings of 1 study into a 2nd study

Objectivity

Questions and findings without bias

The research process (steps 1-5)

1. Identify a question

2. What evidence already exists

3. Assess the evidence

4. Make your clinical decision

5. Evaluate

Descriptive research question

"What is..."

"What exists...?"

Difference research questions

"What is the difference...?"

Relationship research questions

"What is the relationship between...?

The method of tenacity

People cling to former beliefs

-superstitions

Limitation: internal bias

The method of authority

Getting knowledge from a trusted person of authority

-a person says something, we trust it and believe it

Limitation: could be bias

Method of Intuition

Making observations based on personal unexplainable

-a gut feeling or immediate insight

Limitation:intuition, misinterpretation

Method of Science

Making observations based on collected data

-doing research

Limitation: sample diversity, your own bias

PICO Question

P- patient

I- intervention

C- comparison

O- outcome

In adults with ASD, does client centered intervention compared to clinician directed models improve social pragmatic skills?