Research Methodology
Research methods, study design and evidence-based practice
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Research Methodology
Subject Summary
The public overview below follows the supplied PhysioVeda Academics subject summary.
Research methodology provides the practical framework for designing, conducting, analysing and reporting investigations that answer meaningful clinical and scientific questions.
High-quality research begins with an answerable question, a design suited to that question, valid measurements, ethical conduct and analysis planned before data are examined.
For physiotherapy and rehabilitation, research methods help evaluate treatment effects, measurement properties, patient experience, recovery patterns and service quality.
The 16 topic headings and 82 subtopic headings below follow the uploaded PhysioVeda Academics outline exactly; all explanatory prose, examples and high-yield tables are added educational synthesis.
Whole-subject high-yield numbers and concepts
Use these supplied values and key facts for quick whole-subject revision.
| Item | Number / key fact |
|---|---|
| Research sequence | Identify problem -> formulate question -> search -> design -> ethics -> sample -> collect -> analyse -> report. |
| Hypothesis | H0: no effect/association; H1: an effect/association. |
| Quantitative designs | Experimental and observational designs answer different inference questions. |
| Typical alpha / power | Two-sided alpha 0.05 and power 80-90% are common planning choices, not universal requirements. |
| Probability sampling | Known selection probabilities; distinct from random allocation to treatment groups. |
| Reliability versus validity | Reliability = consistency; validity = adequacy of interpretation for a specified use. |
| Bias versus random error | Bias systematically distorts; random error reduces precision. |
| Systematic review | Prespecified question, comprehensive search, selection, appraisal and synthesis. |
| Scientific report | Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion (IMRaD), supported by an abstract and references. |
Core references
- Hulley SB, Cummings SR, Browner WS, Grady DG, Newman TB. Designing Clinical Research. Wolters Kluwer.
- Portney LG. Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Evidence-Based Practice. F.A. Davis.
- Creswell JW, Creswell JD. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE.
- Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, et al., eds. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Cochrane.
- World Medical Association. Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Participants.
- EQUATOR Network. Reporting guideline resources (including CONSORT, STROBE and PRISMA), selected according to study design.
- International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals.
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