PUBLICATIONS
- RESEARCH DESIGN AND STATS
Purpose and Aim of Research
Introduction
This chapter will introduce you to the skills necessary
to effectively read, dissect, interpret, and understand published
research literature and practice guidelines. Basic research
methodology for the life care planner will be presented and,
by the end of this explanation, you will find you will be
able to glean far more information out of each resource you
tap into throughout the planning process. If you have traditionally
been afraid of basic research or statistical terminology,
relax. This chapter will take you step by step through what
you need to know to make getting through the literature enjoyable,
informative and rewarding for you and your patient.
Consider this statement: “ …realizing the practical
benefits of a scientific approach to knowledge in rehabilitation
counseling is contingent upon the ability of rehabilitation
counselors to translate scientific principles and research-based
findings on their practice” (Bellini & Rumrill,
1999). This applies equally to any health-related professional
who finds it necessary to make effective use of research
literature in their day to day practice.
Theory Development
The ultimate goal of science is to develop theories that
establish relationships between traits or variables. Theory
development is a goal and a tool of research relied upon
to identify related variables, explain how they are related,
and to determine why they are related. Theories enable the
researcher to operate within a framework of knowledge while
examining how well it explains and predicts empirical data.
Theories summarize and order existing knowledge regarding
a particular area of study.
What Research Is
A comprehensive review of the principles of research are
beyond the scope of this chapter and most practitioners will
have completed introductory coursework in basic research
designs and concepts. The following points attempt to highlight
some of the most important characteristics of scientific
research:
*The aim of research is to contribute to the development
of theories, general principles, and descriptions of a research
problem
*Research is directed toward the solution of a problem (Best,
1970)
*Research is built upon the premise that knowledge is generated
from factual investigation, experience, and objective observation
*Research is guided by carefully designed procedures governing
sample selection, instrumentation, data collection, data
analysis, and interpretation of results
*Research is based upon what is already “known” about
the problem under investigation
*Research is based upon accurate, objective observation
and description
*Research is based upon a chain of reasoning
*Research utilizes quantitative measurements, valid and
reliable instruments, and psychometrics to record, calculate,
and analyze data
*Research involves systematic definition of all related
terminology, limitations are acknowledged and procedures
are described in detail
*Research demands well-documented references, accurate data
retrieval and record-keeping, and carefully considered conclusions
*The body of research within a field of study is self-correcting.
Misinformation, ill-founded conclusions, and aberrant results
are discredited and, over time, replaced by more accurate
and precise knowledge.
*Scientific methodology controls and verifies the procedures
and conclusions which can be reasonably asserted by the researcher.
*Scientific methods are used to test and encourage the proposal
of alternative hypotheses.
What Research is Not
Researchers, and consumers of research, should be aware
of the limitations of scientific study and should be able
to recognize faulty methodology in the work of others.
*The purpose of research is not to “prove” hypotheses
*Research is not merely a reorganization or restatement
of what has been published in the scientific literature regarding
a specific topic (Best, 1970)
*Research is not simply information retrieval (Best, 1970)
*Research is not unsystematic, inconsistent, or spontaneous
*Research is not persuasive or aimed at “proving” personal
convictions
*Research is not based entirely upon what is accepted by
a culture or discipline as being “true”
*Research is not conducted clandestinely, but is open to
public review and critique
One of the primary assumptions made by research scientists
is that events in nature follow an ordered, lawful sequence
which can be identified through experimentation. In other
words, it is accepted that within a definite set of circumstances
certain events may be expected to occur. What does this mean
for life care planners?
Life care planners must turn to the research literature
when making recommendations regarding the future needs of
patients. Science is guided by the aim of identifying causal
relationships through probability and theory, while life
care planning involves analysis of patient-specific information
to identify the most likely course of disability within reasonable
rehabilitation probability as documented in the research
literature.
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