Research Methods for Clinical Therapists: Applied Project Design and Analysis

Struggling to do a project or dissertation, evaluate published research or conduct your own research? Help is at hand with this 5th edition of Research Methods for Clinical Therapists, which explains, in a clear and simple manner, how to evaluate existing research and how to conduct your own research.Aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as the practising health care professional, the focus of the text is the design and analysis of experimental studies. These are vital to the effectiveness studies that are central to the work of the healthcare professional. Specific examples from different areas of healthcare are used to explain the core research concepts and relate them to clinical situations. Statistical theory and jargon are kept to a minimum. 'Key concept' boxes to explain technical research termsActivities and exercises (with answers provided in an appendix) to reinforce learningSample critique of a published research articleComprehensive coverage of the key components of a robust research studyExplanation of basic mathematical conceptsExtended section on calculating sample sizesGuidelines on the preparation of postersCalculation of Inter-rater reliability measures, including Cohen's Kappa, ICC (interclass correlation) and Bland-Altman graphs of inter-rater agreementIntroduction to Receiver Operating Characteristics, for use in screening and diagnostic testing against gold-standardsThe Thurstone Paired Comparison Technique, valuable in capturing the user voice on a variety of service planning, design and development issuesUndertaking Systematic ReviewsRelevant further reading for each chapter to support readers in their work.