Evidence-Informed Practice and Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

Which section of a research article provides a concise overview of the study, including its background, methods, and key findings?

Abstract (correct)

Introduction

Conclusion/Discussion

Methods

The primary purpose of the Methods section in a research article is to:

Interpret the results and draw conclusions

Present the background and rationale for the study

Summarize the main findings of the study

Provide a detailed account of how the research was conducted (correct)

Which part of a research paper includes an explanation of the significance of the results in relation to the research question?

Results/Findings

Conclusion/Discussion (correct)

Introduction

Methods

Which section of a research article would include a literature review and the study's research question?

Introduction Signup and view all the answers

What criteria must a hypothesis meet?

It must be something that can be tested through analysis of empirical data. Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of a study that describes an association between an exposure and an outcome?

They are simple and quick to conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Results section in a research article?

To objectively describe the study's data analysis Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the Methods section to be reproducible?

To allow replication of the findings by different researchers Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components of Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP)?

Best available research evidence, professional expertise, client values and individualized needs Signup and view all the answers

What is insufficient on its own to make clinical decisions?

Research evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) following evidence-informed standards of care?

Treatments become more standardized among members of the profession Signup and view all the answers

What is the assumption behind quantitative research methods?

There is a uniform reality that can be observed, measured, and expressed numerically. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is often used to develop a testable hypothesis?

Qualitative analysis Signup and view all the answers

What do both quantitative and qualitative methods assess about a study?

The study's credibility in terms of reliability and validity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that quantitative methods assume?

Linear cause and effect relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between quantitative and qualitative study methods?

They both have limitations, but are useful in scientific research. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study is primarily used to generate a hypothesis, rather than test one?

Descriptive study Signup and view all the answers

What does a null hypothesis typically assume?

There is no relationship between two variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates explanatory studies from descriptive studies?

Explanatory studies seek to make generalized statements about a population based on a studied sample Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an independent variable?

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study design is considered an observational explanatory study?

Cohort study Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of a researcher when examining a null hypothesis?

To reject or disprove the null hypothesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of descriptive studies compared to explanatory studies?

Descriptive studies generally have weaker evidence due to a lack or control or comparison groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a variable that researchers aim to keep consistent throughout a study?

A controlled variable Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a cohort study, what does 'prospective' mean?

The outcome of interest has not yet occurred Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a dependent variable?

The height of plants after a period of time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an experimental explanatory study?

Before and after treatment study Signup and view all the answers

If a study is looking at the effect of different types of fertilizer on plant growth, what would be a confounding variable?

The amount of sunlight the plants receive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of a null hypothesis?

It is a commonly accepted fact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of research questions in explanatory studies?

To provide evidence about treatment efficacy Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment examining the effect of music on test scores, what would be the independent variable?

The music played. Signup and view all the answers

If an experimental study involves the analysis of differences in outcomes before and after a specific treatment, which type of study is it?

Before and after treatment study Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of a cohort study?

They are generally time-consuming and costly. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study design is most susceptible to overestimating treatment effects due to the absence of a comparison group?

Before/after study without control. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strength of a case report?

It helps in the formation of a new hypothesis and report adverse effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a case report and a case series?

Case series looks at several individual cases, case reports focus on just one. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research designs is considered descriptive rather than experimental?

Correlation study. Signup and view all the answers

An anecdote is considered the weakest form of evidence because:

It lacks rationale, detail, and exploration of cause and effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common limitation in before-and-after studies without controls?

Subjectivity in data collection leading to bias. Signup and view all the answers

A researcher wants to observe if a new drug for blood pressure is effective. Which type of study design is most appropriate to avoid treatment effects being overestimated, using a control?

Before/after study with control. Signup and view all the answers

Which study type can be useful for identifying emerging trends, but may not establish causality?

Case series. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research designs is most susceptible to attrition?

Cohort study Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of quantitative research methods?

Focus on ruling out rival explanations for observed outcomes using controlled settings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of qualitative research methods?

To explore complex phenomena in their natural settings, making the observer part of the process. Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative research, what is the role of controlling variables and environment?

To minimize the impact of confounding variables and strengthen the cause-and-effect relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the approach of qualitative methods to the concept of reality?

Any single observation influences what is being observed and multiple realities may exist and be valid. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data collection is most commonly associated with qualitative research?

Interviews, observations, and documents for rich narrative-based data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of descriptive studies?

To describe the characteristics of a specific group/sample/population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key attribute of cause-and-effect relationships in qualitative research?

There is no assumption of linear causality with multiple factors influencing outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative research, what is the role of statistics?

To test the probability of an outcome happening by chance, and establish a level of proof. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP)

EIP is a triad combining best available research evidence, professional expertise, and client values/needs.
Better research evidence leads to more confidence in clinical decisions.
Evidence alone is insufficient for clinical decisions.
Evidence-informed practice improves treatment effectiveness, insurance plan support, standardization, and reputation.

Research Methods

Quantitative Methods: Assume uniform reality, measurable, linear cause-and-effect.
- Researchers manipulate treatment, control variables, and use statistics to rule out chance.
- Focus on controlling variables to ensure reproducibility.
Qualitative Methods: Acknowledge observation's impact on the observed.
- No single reality assumption.
- Multiple factors can influence outcomes.
- Emphasis on natural settings.
- Data collected via interviews, observation, and documents.
Descriptive Studies: Describe a group/sample.
- Don't test theories.
- Form hypotheses.
- Provide detailed information for explanatory studies.
Explanatory Studies: Test hypotheses and explain cause-and-effect relationships.
- Use observational (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort) or experimental (before-after, clinical trials) methods.
- Observational Studies: Prospective, longitudinal, examine treatment/risk relationships.
  - Cohort studies follow groups over time.
  - Pros: Strong evidence of relationships.
  - Cons: Time-consuming, expensive, high attrition.
- Experimental Studies: Determine hypothesis; collect data from patients; measure outcomes.
  - May overestimate treatment effect.
  - Less generalizable findings.
  - Before/After with Control: Stronger than those without a control group.

Components of Research Articles

Abstract: Summary (background, purpose, design, methods, results, conclusion, discussion).
Introduction: Purpose/importance, research question, background/literature review.
Methods: Detailed description of the study process. Should be replicable.
Results/Findings: Data analysis; objective; neither supports nor dismisses hypothesis.
Conclusion/Discussion: Interpretation of results, discussion, citation of other studies.
References: Listing of consulted research.

Hypotheses

Hypothesis: Testable and measurable educated guess on how things work.
Null Hypothesis: Opposite of the alternate hypothesis; commonly accepted fact. Researchers work to disproven it instead of proving the alternate.
Research does not prove hypotheses, but rather disproves null hypotheses.

Variables

Independent Variable: The cause (influenced, manipulated).
Dependent Variable: Effect (being measured). Depends on the independent variable.
Confounding Variable: Variable other than the independent variable that influences the dependent. Should be controlled.
Controlled Variable: Constant variable(s).

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Description

Explore the concepts of Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP) and various research methods used in the field. Learn about the integration of research evidence, professional expertise, and client values in clinical decisions. Additionally, understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research, along with descriptive studies.