Clinical Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

With a new chapter on evaluating research articles, the fourth edition of Clinical Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology continues to be an essential resource for graduate students and clinicians seeking to understand the principles and methodologies involved with clinical research. As the demand for evidence-based practice continues to rise, understanding how to conduct and evaluate research becomes increasingly important in ensuring quality care and professional accountability. 

This text emphasizes how to effectively apply research to clinical practice and decision-making processes. Readers will also gain knowledge of the significance of research ethics and the ethical considerations involved. With the utilization of discussion materials, this text will facilitate learning and critical thinking among students as they engage with the material. 

This edition includes information on how to critically review both quantitative and qualitive articles. Current trends and updated examples from speech pathology and audiology literature will assist with real-world research situations. 

New to the Fourth Edition

• New co-author, Jeremy J. Donai, PhD providing a fresh perspective
• New chapter on critically evaluating both quantitative and qualitative research articles
• Examples of integrating citations into a literature review
• Updated discussion of types of qualitative research currently being used, with additional and revised examples
• Expanded discussion of types of mixed method designs, with additional and updated examples
• Updated list of databases and sources for research in communication sciences and disorders
• Ancillary materials now include a test bank for instructors and study quizzes for students

Key Features

• Chapters begin with an outline of covered topics and learning objectives
• End-of-chapter discussion questions aid students in applying concepts
• A comprehensive glossary allows students to easily find and define important terms
• Numerous references throughout, including many ASHA and AAA Codes of Ethics

PluralPlus Online Ancillaries

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank
For students: Quizzes

List of Tables
List of Figures
About the Authors
Preface
Contributors
Acknowledgments

Chapter 1. Introduction to Research
    Introduction
    Importance of Research in Communication Disorders
    Historical Evolution of Research in Communication Disorders
    Sources of Knowledge
    Types of Research
        Descriptive Research
            Cross-Sectional Research
            Longitudinal Research
            Semilongitudinal Research
            Historical Research
            Case Study Research
            Secondary Analysis
            Evaluation Research
        Exploratory Research
            Correlational Research
            Case-Control Studies
            Cohort Studies
        Experimental Research
            Randomized Controlled Trial
            Quasi-Experimental
            Sequential Clinical Trial
            Single-Subject Designs
            Meta-Analysis
        Survey Research
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 2. Ethics of Research in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
    Need for Ethical Guidelines
    Historical Background
    Research Misconduct
    Issues in Research Ethics
    Planning Research
        Confidentiality
        The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
        Informed Consent
        Deception
        Institutional Approval
        Control Groups
        Conflict of Interest
        Mentoring
        Documentation
        Referencing Sources
        Copyright
        Authorship
        Peer Review
        Publication Correction
        Evidence-Based Practice
    American Academy of Audiology
    American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
    Sanctions for Ethical Misconduct
    Institutional Review Board
    Teaching Research Ethics
        Content
        Methods
        Current and Future Issues
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 3. Research Problems
    Basic Concepts and Terms
    Control of Variables
    Selecting a Topic
    Selecting a Research Problem
    Hypotheses and Theories
    Feasibility of a Research Project
    Budgetary Considerations and Preparation
    Summary
    Discussion Questions 
    References

Chapter 4. Locating, Accessing, and Assessing Information
Anne Marie Sisk and David Irwin
    Introduction
    Locating Information
    Databases
    Data Mining
    Online Journals
    Use of the World Wide Web
    Interlibrary Loan
    Manual Searches
    Social Media
    Evaluating Research
    Rating the Evidence
    Levels of Evidence
    Critical Appraisal
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 5. Literature Review
    Organizing Literature Reviews
    Background Literature Reviews
    Formulating Questions for Literature Reviews
    Narrative Reviews
    Systematic Reviews
        Differences Between Narrative and Systematic Reviews
    Meta-Analysis
    Best-Evidence Synthesis
    Clinical Practice Guidelines
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 6. Measurement
    Scales of Measurement
        Nominal Level of Measurement
        Ordinal Level of Measurement
        Interval Level of Measurement
        Ratio Level of Measurement
    Validity of Measurement
    Reliability of Measurement
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 7. Research Design and Strategy 
    Introduction
    Characteristics of a Good Design
    Group Design
        Between-Subjects Designs
        Within-Subjects Designs
        Mixed-Group Designs
        Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Designs
    Single-Subject Designs
    Sequential Clinical Trials
    Technologic Applications and Research Designs
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 8. Quantitative Research
    Characteristics of Quantitative Research
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Quantitative Research
    Quantitative Research Designs
        Nonexperimental Designs
        Preexperimental Designs
        Quasi-Experimental Designs
        True Experimental Designs
        Single-Subject Designs    
    Quantitative Analysis
        Descriptive Statistics
            Shapes of Distributions
            Central Tendency
            Variability
            Bivariate Descriptive Statistics
            Correlation
        Inferential Statistics
            Hypothesis Testing
            One- and Two-Tailed Tests
            Parametric and Nonparametric Statistics
            Between- and Within-Subjects Tests
            Steps in Hypothesis Testing
            Evaluating Inferential Statistics
        Multivariate Statistics
        Meta-Analysis
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 9. Qualitative Research
    Characteristics of Qualitative Research
    Issues in Qualitative Research
    Qualitative Research Designs
        Case Study
        Ethnography
        Phenomenology
        Grounded Theory
        Conversation Analysis
    Data Collection Procedures
        Observation
        Interviewing
        Focus Groups
    Analyzing Qualitative Data
    Validity and Reliability
    Criteria for Evaluation of Qualitative Research
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 10. Multimethod Research
    Characteristics of Multimethod Research
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Multimethod Research
    Sequencing
    Research Designs
    Examples of Multimethod Designs
    Evaluating Multimethod Research
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 11. Reporting and Disseminating Research
    Reasons for Reporting Research
    Myths and Facts About Research Reports
    Time Management for Reporting Research
        Procrastination
    Some Simple Rules for Dissemination of Research
    Format of Research Reports
        Abstracts
        Key Words (Indexing Terms)
        Author Contributions
        Tables and Figures
        Diagrams and Maps
    Writing Styles
        APA Format
        References
        Personal Pronouns
        Avoid Bias
    Permissions
    Rewriting and Revising
    Translating Research Reports to Published Papers
    Types of Research Reports
        Journal Articles
            Selecting a Journal    
        Theses and Dissertations
        Textbooks
        Presentations at Professional Meetings
            Oral Reports
            Poster Presentations
            Visual Supplements
    Evaluating and Reviewing Research Reports
    CATs
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 12. Evaluating Tests and Treatments
    Evaluation Issues
    Tests
    Treatment
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 13. Evidence-Based Practice: Application of Research to Clinical Practice
    Defining Evidence-Based Practice
    Evidence-Based Practice: Terms and Definition
        Research Utilization
        Information Literacy
        Clinical Trials
    Advantages and Disadvantages of Evidence-Based Practice
    Myths About Evidence-Based Practice
    Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice
    Quality of Evidence: Levels and Grades of Evidence
    Knowledge and Skills Needed for Evidence-Based Practice
    Developing and Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
        Organizational Support for Evidence-Based Practice
        Resources for Evidence-Based Practice
    Communicating Evidence
    Ethical Considerations
        Control Groups
        Double Blinding
        Risks and Benefits
        Fidelity
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Chapter 14. Critical Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Articles
Tobias A. Kroll and Jeremy J. Donai
    Consumers of Research
    General Critical Review Strategies: Quantitative Articles
        Introduction
        Methods
        Results
        Discussion/Conclusion
    General Critical Review Strategies: Qualitative Articles
        Introduction and Literature Review
        Methods and Results
        Discussion/Conclusion
    Critical Review (Quantitative)
        Introduction
        Methods
        Results
        Discussion/Conclusion
        Summary
    Critical Review (Qualitative)
        Reviewing an Autoethnographic Study
            An Overview of Hinckley (2005)
            Evaluating Hinckley (2005)
        Reviewing a Formal Ethnography
            An Overview of Azios et al. (2018)
            Evaluating Azios et al. (2018)
    General Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References            

Chapter 15. Research Grants
    Introduction
    The Grants Acquisition Process
    Grant Seeking
        General Principles of Grant Seeking
    Grant Proposal Writing
        Preliminary Considerations
        The Grant Proposal
        The Budget
        The Idea or Problem
        Unsolicited and Solicited Proposals
        Basic Principles of Grant Proposal Writing
        Suggestions for Grant Proposal Writing
        Characteristics of a Fundable Research Grant Proposal
        The Grant Proposal Review Process
    Grant Management
    Summary
    Discussion Questions
    References

Glossary
Index

Clinical Research Methods in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Fourth Edition comes with access to supplementary student and instructor resources on a PluralPlus companion website.

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