Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter 1 Research: An Overview

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Overview of Chapter What is research? Role of theory in research Steps of the research process How to identify and define a topic Importance of operationally defining a topic and hypothesis How to plan, gather, and interpret data Role of research methods in evidence-based clinical practice

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins What Is Research? Research is the careful, logical, and systematic process of investigation. Empirical research is an approach to problem solving in which decisions are based on: Data from observations and experiments Analyze data: variables and their relationships Data analyzed to determine results Findings and conclusions established Results influence future research

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Applied vs. Basic Research Applied Research Offers direct clinical applicability Takes place in laboratory or non-laboratory settings designed to replicate authentic and functioning environments Goal is to provide direct solutions to practical problems as well as to provide and contribute to theory-based knowledge Basic Research Has little direct clinical application Takes place in a carefully controlled laboratory Goal is to address theoretical issues or to explain questions in basic science

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Limits to Research Answers to research questions are only as good as the questions asked. Data collected is only as accurate as the tools and methods used to collect it. Results of research are only as accurate as the statistical analyses used to test it. Research is limited by (and dependent upon) the accuracy, validity, and reliability of each step in the process.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Research: Summary Research lends supportive evidence about the nature of relationships among variables. Research is a process of investigation, determining how (or if) one variable affects or influences another. Research is planned and procedural. Research is a deliberate series of steps completed in an exact order to confirm precise measurements. Research is done to determine results. Research is subject to and intended for replication in order to be reliable and valid.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Why Study Research? Studying research allows you to… Understand how to find possible answers to a question Understand why actual steps in answering the question are important Provide a framework for the process of acquiring knowledge through problem solving Learn how to apply research methods in realistic circumstances Learn how to follow an evidence-based approach to problem solving Allow well-informed decision-making in clinical practice

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Role of Theory in Research Theory can be a goal or guide to research. The role of theory in research is to provide a frame of reference. Answers that result from research are formulated into theory. Theory is a tentative explanation for the facts and findings that evolve from the research process. Theory is used to guide and direct future research.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stages of the Scientific Research Process 1.Identify a topic. 2.Search and review the literature. 3.Define a topic. 4.State a general question or problem. 5.Phrase an operationally defined hypothesis. 6.Pan the methods to test the hypothesis. 7.Collect data. 8.Analyze data and interpret the results. 9.Write about the findings.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Thesis vs. Project Proposal Thesis Graduate school level Written in past tense Goal is publication Sequence of chapters: –Topic introduction –Literature review –Methods –Results –Discussion Project Proposal Undergraduate level Written in future tense Sequence of chapters: –Topic introduction –Literature review –Methods

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 1: Identify a Topic Choose a subject/topic that interests you. Start with a general topic and then narrow it down to a more specific topic. Stay open-minded.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 2: Search and Review the Literature Begin with a broad, general search. As the search narrows, the topic will become more defined. See more in Chapter 2.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 3: Define a Topic Decide on a particular and detailed issue or question. Avoid vagueness and lack of clarity. The topic will direct the formation of your problem statement.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 4: State General Question or Problem The problem statement is a deliberate and understandable explanation that expresses the question or issue of interest in definite terms. The problem statement should be one sentence long. It formally announces the intention or reason for your investigation. It clearly states the main topic and point of the study. It briefly notes the “what” and “why” of the experiment. If the purpose cannot be explained in 30 seconds or fewer, then the topic and problem statement have not been clearly defined.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 5: Phrase an Operationally Defined Hypothesis The operationally defined research hypothesis is logically connected to the topic and links directly to the statement of the problem. The operationally defined hypothesis is a theoretical hypothesis. The purpose of the research hypothesis is to depict the expected connection among or between variables of interest. It’s considered “operationally defined” because it must follow operational definitions stated for words or phrases that might be used differently from their usual or explicit meanings.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 6: Plan the Methods to Test the Hypothesis Search and review existing literature to: –provide perspective on how similar questions or problems have been examined in the past –help in planning the methods to test the hypothesis of the current study (discussions, limitations, and suggestions for future research) The methods must focus on the variables of interest and how these variables will be measured or evaluated so as to best answer the research question. Research questions drive the research methods … and the methods need to be flexible, broad, and available for clinic use (i.e., practical).

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 7: Data Collection In this stage, information about the variables of interest is carefully gathered and documented. The methods and procedures for collecting the data have been planned (in Stage 6); it is during this stage that the methods and procedures are followed and carried out.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 8: Data Analysis and Interpretation of Results Keep in mind the general question that was being asked or the problem that was being addressed in the study or experiment. Statistics are used to merge research methods and data analysis at the same time and at every level of the research process. This helps generate clinically significant research questions.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Stage 9: Writing About the Findings If something of interest was measured, what was the outcome? How did one variable influence or change another? Regardless of the results, it is important to stick to the facts and to report what was found.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process of deductive reasoning. EBP is a process by which decisions about clinical practice are guided from evidence in research based on scientific models and theoretical paradigms. EBP is a framework that helps in the evaluation and interpretation of research (evidence) when applied to clinical practice. EBP translates science into practice.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Empirical Evidence The phrase “evidence-based practice” is used in reference to establishing performance procedures and techniques derived from empirical research rather than clinical traditions based on anecdotal proof of effectiveness. Findings from empirical research are interpreted, applied, and integrated into clinical practice.

Copyright © 2011 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Chapter Summary and Key Points Empirical research is a problem solving method for decision-making. Evidence-based clinical practices are based on tested relationships and logical, deductive reasoning. Research lends supportive evidence for already-existing relationships between variables. Research does not prove anything. Research results must be repeatable in order for the research to be reliable. Problem statements should formally announce the intention of the research question. Evidence-based practice is the process by which decisions about clinical practice are supported by research.