Scientific Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Study Notes

Research is a systematic process of discovering new knowledge and understanding, leading to advances in various fields and improvements in our lives.
Research is not fact-finding, but rather a careful, objective, and systematic process for solving problems or answering questions.

According to the National Institutes of Health, research is "a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge."
Creswell defines research as "a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue."

Research is the cornerstone of scientific progress, and it expands our knowledge base and helps us answer questions.
Research encourages us to find the latest information, builds credibility, and helps with problem-solving.

A highly structured sequential series of steps for conducting a scientific research study.
The steps in the scientific method include:
- Step 1: Understanding the Problem Area
- Step 2: Identifying the Research Question or Problem
- Step 3: Formulating One or More Hypotheses
- Step 4: Planning the Methodology for the Study
- Step 5: Collecting the Data
- Step 6: Analyzing the Data with Statistical Tools
- Step 7: Interpreting and Discussing the Results
- Step 8: Deriving Conclusions from the Results

Internal validity: the extent to which any changes measured in the dependent variables can be directly attributed to manipulation of the independent variables.
External validity: the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to the population represented by the participants in the study.

Data collection involves taking measurements, using apparatus, distributing questionnaires, or conducting interviews.
Statistical tools are used to analyze the data and determine whether differences between groups or correlations between factors are likely to exist in the population.

The interpretation and discussion of the results of a study involve comparing the findings to the original hypotheses and to the findings of other similar studies.

A scientific theory is an explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on numerous research studies all confirming a given phenomenon.
Theories can be improved and refined as more research is conducted.