Ch1Research

Question 1

What is rehabilitation research?

Answer 1

the means by which we test the belief that what we do makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Question 2

What are the three characteristics of research?

Answer 2

1. research challenges the status quo; 2. it is creative; 3. it is systematic

Question 3

In what ways can you “challenge the status quo”?

Answer 3

1. identify gaps in out knowledge; 2. systematically test the effects of rehabilitation practices; 3. test novel or traditionally avoided treatments

Question 4

What reasons might someone have for developing research?

Answer 4

1. to develop a body of knowledge for the rehabilitation professions; 2. to determine whether interventions work; 3. to improve patient and client care

Question 5

What are some of the barriers to rehabilitation research?

Answer 5

1. lack of funds 2. lack of research mentors 3. lack of time 4. lack of familiarity with the research process 5. lack of statistical support 6. ethical concerns about use of human participants and animal subjects 7. the clinician-researcher dichotomy

Question 6

What is the “Clinician-Researcher Dichotomy”?

Answer 6

the belief that clinicians and researchers have little in common.

Question 7

What are the ways in which researchers can overcome the barriers?

Answer 7

1. to develop productive research teams composed of individuals who, together, have all the diverse skills needed to plan, implement, analyze, and report research. 2. development of the ‘Scientist-Practitioner’.

Question 8

How is the importance of research to the rehabilitation professions represented?

Answer 8

Through professional association goals, publication vehicles for rehab research, educational standards, and research funding.

Question 9

Four major areas in need of study

Answer 9

The natural history of disability, functional assessment and performance evaluation, intervention issues, and rehabilitation service delivery