Dr. Rehab F. Gwada Introduction to research

Objectives of the Lecture The student at the end of this lecture should Know The Definition of research Reasons for Developing Research Types of Research, and how to differentiate between them. Identify the Approaches to Research & their advantages &disadvantages. Who should research? Ethical Consideration. Barriers of research.

Content of Lecture What is research? Why do Research? Types of Research Approaches to Research Who should research? Ethical Consideration Barriers of research

What is research? Science: is concerned with theoretical truth. body of knowledge gained through diligent and systematic study with concern for facts or principles. Research: is a method of science that supplies pieces of knowledge by finding answers to questions, hypotheses, theories, principles. research is an attempt to find the theoretical truth or answer,why? The purpose of research improve our understanding of the topics concerned. Issues for research arise from discovering "holes" in current understanding.

The Scientific Method ObservationHypothesis Revision ExperimentTheory

Common Stages in the Research process Analyze and interpret the data- how does the new evidence Gather the relevant data Design a study that a addresses the research question Frame the unknown in terms of a research aim or question Establish current understanding(through literature review, or reflections on professional practice) &determine what is unknown or uncertain

What is research? Research can be defined as studying of a problem in a definite objective through employing precise methods with consideration to the adequate control of factors other than the variable under investigation and followed by analysis according to acceptable statistical procedures.

Why do Research? For Students: Research help them to acquire skills such as: The ability to think critically. In-depth knowledge about a specialist area of interest. Creativity (framing a new question, designing a study). Logic and objectivity (helpful for evaluating therapy practice and research). Presentation skills.

Why do Research? For qualified therapists: research experience will help to: Establish & develop the evidence- base of your profession Identify gaps in knowledge. Add to the knowledge base for physical therapy. Establish efficacy and benefits of new physical therapy interventions. Evaluate the clinical effectiveness. Develop theoretical understanding of therapeutic process and outcomes.

Types of Research Experimental Non experimental Applied Research Basic Research

Types of Research 1-Basic Research: is often referred to pure research aims to discover new knowledge( intended to increase understand of causes or function of whatever is being studied). It conducted for the purpose of theory development& refinement, and increase understanding of fundamental principle.e.g., phenomena as the environment, human behavior, human gene makeup, ex., law of learning. Its results may have no practical application.

Types of Research 2-Applied Research  It is often called clinical research which concerning with applying or gaining knowledge.  Concerned with the application with theory to the solution of problems.  It is a systematic method of evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and establish basis for inductive generalization about intervention. It can solve immediate clinical problem.

Types of Research Clinical research can be divided into : Experimental & Non experimental Experimental- research compares conditions and interventions and observe the resultant variation in other variables.

Types of Research Non experimental is more descriptive, for exemple, questionnaire, interview or direct observation. Considered as any investigation not involving experimentation Considered as a process of systemic data collection.

Approaches to Research Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Approaches to Research Qualitative: is an umbrella term referring to several research tradition and strategies that share certain criteria: Narrative Subject’s own words Summarizes behaviors Descriptive Methods Interviews Observation notes Surveys

Qualitative Research Advantages: 1. Insight into the participants, experiences. 2. The possibility of unexpected findings (unexpected benefits or problems with an intervention). 3. Understanding of individual patients, needs and responses.

Qualitative Research: Disadvantages: 1. Time-Concerning as transcribing and analyzing interviews or videotaped observations requires more time. 2. Reliance on literacy and verbal fluency. 3. Patients may not know: Patients are not necessarily aware of all relevant influences on their functioning (e.g.; patient may continue to describe the pain as intolerable, but yet be showing much less pain behavior following treatment).

Quantitative Research: Numerical data collected & analyzed Explores relationship between variables Independent (single or multi-leveled) Dependent (single or multiple) Experimental Approaches to Research

Quantitative Research Advantages: 1. Economical: The data takes less time to record, collate and analyze. 2. Statistical analysis: Changes in scores (e.g. before and after program) can be easily analyzed to determine the effect of the program. 3. Comparing individuals and groups to determine which individuals have responded most or least. 4. Participants: scores can be compared with norms (typical scores).

Quantitative Research Disadvantages: 1. Over-simplification: Rating scale may not really capture the required information. For an example pain may change in quality (from stabbing to throbbing) rather than in intensity ( on 1 – 10 scales). 2. Artificial: The measure may be simple to carry out in a research or clinical setting but it may have little application to the real world. e.g. Time taking to walk fixed distance.

Who Should Research? The best researchers for building the body of knowledge of the profession are the members of the profession.  Clinical researcher (therapist who function as clinical practitioner and as an investigator.  Academic staff.  Student (under-graduated or post-graduated )  Health care providers  Organization

Who Should Research? Members of the profession Who will conduct the research should have certain qualification and characteristics. Curiosity. &MotivatedCreative thinking & Imagination. Perceptive and Observational abilities. Positive attitude. Considerable amount of knowledge. Honest.

Ethical Considerations 1- Must be justifiable for its scientific value. 2- Must not be pursued if benefit is outweighed by risk to the subject. 3- Must be conducted by scientifically competent people. 4- Must be carried out according to the design, which approved by a review committee. 5- Must be terminated if risk of harm is apparent. 6- The subject free to withdraw at any time. 7- The subject must be given his free consent after being fully informed.

Ethical Consideration Consent form Informed and written, which is written in a clear, non- technical language. This information sheet should include: A clear title. A brief statement of the aims of the research and the methods to be used. confidentiality and safety. The subject free to withdraw at any time with no effect on services received. A way of contacting the researcher(s).

Lake of knowledge Lake of time for research Lake of motivation Lake of resources Lake of equipment and instrumentation. Lake of fund and financial support Lake of research ethic committee. Lake of therapist involved or qualified to perform research. Barriers of research

Thank you