AHPT 829: Research/ Scientific Inquiry I
Prerequisite: AHPT 812 or permission of the Department
Credit Hours: (2)
The course introduces research designs and statistical analyses used in physical therapy and rehabilitation research.
Detailed Description of Course
The course introduces research designs and statistical analyses used in physical therapy
and rehabilitation research. Students will be introduced to the importance of evidence-based
practice in physical therapy. Hypothesis testing, decision errors, experimental and
non-experimental research designs, basic quantitative and qualitative statistical
analyses, and the responsible conduct of research will be considered.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course content may be presented by lecture, small group discussion, student oral presentations, written examinations, and written class assignments.
Goals and Objectives of this Course
Will require students to:
1) write null and alternative hypotheses; 2) Demonstrate the relationship between the research question and null or alternative hypotheses; 3) Outline the procedures for hypothesis testing; 4) Define the consequence of the error of rejecting the hypothesis when the hypothesis is true; 5) Define the seriousness of the error of accepting the hypothesis when the hypothesis is false; 6) Discuss the use of theory and conceptual frameworks to guide research investigations and interpret outcomes; 7) Compare the philosophical and resulting methodological differences between positivistic and naturalistic research; 8) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of different types of experimental research designs; 9) Distinguish between the types of research questions answered by experimental and non-experimental designs; 10) Identify the levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) of independent, intervening and dependent variables; 11) Identify the statistical analysis most appropriate for a study given its design and the level of measurement of its variables; 12) Identify major differences in sampling techniques, instrumentation, procedures, and data analysis techniques common to experimental and non-experimental research designs; 13) Design research studies that can be conducted in clinical settings; 14) Conduct and interpret basic descriptive and inferential statistical analyses; 15) Outlines the rights and needed protections of humans and animals involved in research.
Assessment Measures
May be but not limited to:
Examinations and written assignments
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
April 8, 2014