Topics and Questions

All quantitative research begins with a question of some kind. The title may suggest the type of question being posed. The research question is articulated in a statement of the research problem or the purpose of the study

Incidence What is the prevalence of a certain variable, dimension, response pattern, etc.? What percentage? How many? How often?

Measurement What is the best way to evaluate and measure? Reliability – Does the test measure consistently? Validity – Does the test measure the variable in question?

Correlation How closely are two or more variables related? Is a change in one variable related to change in another? Can changes in one variable predict the amount and direction of change in another? To what extent are several variables related?

Factor What factors are related to a particular stimulus, subject, treatment, or response variable? Which factors influence aspects of assessment, treatment, or evaluation?

Development What is the nature of the changes that take place as a function of time or age? What is the sequence and timing of these changes? To what extent does a stimulus, subject, or response pattern develop as a function of time or age?

Static Comparison Are two or more stimuli, groups, or response patterns different along one or more variables (before experimental manipulation) Comparisons are static because they examine the variables in the present, as they are currently.

Treatment Does treatment X produce response Y? Focus on before-after comparisons. Compare before-after in one group, or compare two groups (one that receives treatment and one that does not).

Interaction How do variables interact in their effects? Assessment-Treatment questions focus on how participant variables (age, diagnosis, etc.) determine therapy outcomes. Treatment-Evaluation questions focus on how stimulus or treatment variables determine therapy outcomes.