Hierarchy of Evidence and Validity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason randomized controlled trials are considered effective for testing intervention effectiveness?

  • They are easier to conduct than observational studies.
  • They allow for high internal validity and control over variables. (correct)
  • They utilize a larger sample size than cohort studies.
  • They have a broader range of potential outcomes.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria in a study?

  • To assess the ethical considerations involved in the study.
  • To ensure the study sample represents the population and controls for bias. (correct)
  • To evaluate the feasibility of the study design.
  • To determine the statistical significance of the results.

In qualitative research, what does trustworthiness NOT include among its components?

  • Internal consistency (correct)
  • Credibility
  • Confirmability
  • Dependability

What limitation may high-level evidence studies present when applied to occupational therapy practice?

<p>They may not always directly apply to practice contexts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study is typically considered to have lower evidence than cohort studies?

<p>Case-control studies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the highest level of evidence in research?

<p>Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does internal validity assess in a study?

<p>Whether outcomes are due to the variables tested (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is least relevant to strengthening methodology in research?

<p>Theoretical Framework (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a high Cronbach’s Alpha indicate about a measurement tool?

<p>The tool is effective in capturing the intended concept (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about external validity is true?

<p>It determines if a study's findings are universally applicable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of systematic reviews in evidence-based research?

<p>To summarize and integrate findings across multiple studies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by effect size in a study?

<p>The magnitude of change or effect observed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes construct validity?

<p>Assesses if a study accurately captures the intended concept (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Systematic Reviews

Combines results from multiple studies, offering strong evidence.

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

High internal validity research design using random assignment to groups.

Construct Validity

Measures if the study accurately measures what it's intended to.

Internal Validity

Study's results are due to the tested variables, not other factors.

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External Validity

Generalizability of study findings to a broader population.

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Reliability (in research)

Consistency of a measurement tool/instrument; similar results under consistent conditions.

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Cronbach's Alpha

Statistical measure of internal consistency and reliability of a test.

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Effect Size

Magnitude of the change or effect in a study (practical significance).

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Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Rules used to decide who can and cannot participate in a study, aiming for a representative sample and controlling for bias.

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Cohort Study

Observational study tracking groups over time to see how outcomes differ. It's like following two groups of people with different habits (e.g., smokers vs. non-smokers) to see if they develop health issues.

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Case-Control Study

Compares groups with and without an outcome to find potential causes. It's like contrasting a group with a disease against those without, searching for patterns.

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Transferability

In qualitative research, it's about how well the findings from one study can be applied to other situations or groups.

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Applicability to Practice

How relevant research findings are for everyday use by occupational therapists. Do the results actually help us in our work?

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Study Notes

Hierarchy of Evidence

  • Highest level: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses combine findings from multiple studies, providing strong evidence.
  • Lower levels:
    • Randomized controlled trials (RCTs): High internal validity, random assignment.
    • Cohort studies: Observational, following a group over time.
    • Case-control studies: Observational, comparing groups with and without a condition.
    • Expert opinion: Lowest level, based on individual expertise without research backing.
  • Systematic reviews synthesize research findings, strengthening evidence.

Validity

  • Construct validity: Measures if a study accurately captures the concept it intends to measure.
  • Internal validity: Assesses if study outcomes are due to tested variables, not confounding factors. Randomized controlled trials have high internal validity due to random assignment and control.
  • External validity: Determines the generalizability of study findings to a broader population. High external validity means findings apply beyond the study sample.
  • High internal validity can exist with low external validity; meaning accurate results within the study setting but limited applicability elsewhere.

Reliability

  • Reliability: Consistency of a measurement tool in obtaining similar results consistently.
  • Assessment tool: Cronbach's alpha is a common statistical method for evaluating internal consistency and reliability.

Methodology in Research

  • Factors in Methodology Strength: Important factors include sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques; less relevant factors include theoretical framework.
  • Effect Size: Indicates practical significance of findings, showing the magnitude of change or effect (in a study).
  • Critiquing Validity: Review of inclusion and exclusion criteria ensures representing the population and controls for bias.

Types of Studies and Evidence for Interventions

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Most effective for testing intervention effectiveness due to high internal validity and control over variables.
  • Cohort Studies: Observational design tracking groups over time to observe outcomes.
  • Case-Control Studies: Observational comparison of groups with and without a specific outcome; generally lower levels of evidence than cohort studies.

Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

  • Trustworthiness involves credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
  • Transferability: Similar to external validity, assessing the extent to which qualitative findings apply to other settings.

Relevance and Application in Occupational Therapy

  • Applicability to Practice: Relevance of study findings to occupational therapy practice determines value in professional settings.
  • Limitations: High-level evidence may not always directly apply to occupational therapy practice, despite rigor.

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