CDIS 3413Exam # 1 Study Guide Chapters: 1 - 4Chapter 1The Scientific MethodResearch is the process whereby scientists attempt to understand the world and its inhabitants.The Scientific Method prescribes a set of rules and principles that guides the search for knowledge. - There are three important assumptions of the scientific method:o Order- scientists believe that events occur in regular patterns, not randomly.o Determinism- scientists believe that the occurrence of an event is determined by prior events.o Discoverability- Scientists expect to find answers to research questions. New questions can arise as others are answered. Research is an ongoing and continuous process of discovery.Scientific Observations- Scientists observe events to explain the relationship between two or more variables.o Variables are properties that take on different values.- Conditions for observation:o Must be objective. Objectivity is the expression of reality without the intrusion of the researchers’ personal beliefs, biases, or emotions.o Events and observation of events must be public.o Must be repeatable. Study must be described in enough detail for others to replicate it and confirm the results.Cause and Effect- Most research in communication disorders is interested in causality at some point.- Three conditions for inferring causality are:o The treatment occurs before the change, not after.o The change is observable.o No other variable can account for the change.- Relationships are usually stated as “A implies B.”Steps in the Scientific Method- The research process requires formality to be objective.- Operational definitions must be written for each variable of interest.o Operational definitions give meaning to a variable by specifying the activities necessary for its measurement.- The five major steps of the scientific process are:Stating the ProblemStating the ProblemShould include a clear description of th eproblem with the reason for its study.Research questions should express the goals of the study.Formulating the Research HypothesisFormulating the Research HypothesisThe hypothesis is a best guess at what the answer to the question will be.The research hypothesis should be backed up by existing scientific literature and your own personal experiences.Developing the Research MethodDeveloping the Research MethodThe research method is a clear outline of the procedures of the study.The method should include specifics on the participants, a detailed plan of how to observe their behavior, and instructions on how to record that data.Analyzing ResultsAnalyzing ResultsAfter collecting the data, analyze it using graphs, tables, and statistics. Different kinds of analysis are very important so that research conclusions are not faulty.Researchers may seek advice from other experts for help in this step.Interpreting ResultsInterpreting ResultsInterpretation goals are to answer each research question, and to support or refute the original hypothesis.New research questions can be found as well as problems with the method.The interpretaion of results is usually found in the conclusion section of a research report.Types of Research in Communication Sciences and DisordersBasic and Applied Research Types-Basic Researcho Sole purpose is to contribute new scientific knowledgeo No intention of solving social or clinical problemso No practical applicationo Useful for constructing theories and modifying new ones Theories are general explanations that attempt to explain the relationshipbetween observable events (effects) and their origins (causes).o Usually the reason for beginning an applied research study-Applied Researcho Purpose is to solve a social problem, clinical problem, or some other practical application.o Attempts to solve problems that require immediate solutionso Two types: Research for the purpose of better understanding communication disorders Research for better understanding clinical processes of assessment and treatment- A.k.a. clinical researchLaboratory and Field Studies- Field research is conducted in everyday settings such as homes, schools, or clinics.o Usually for observation- Laboratory research is conducted in a setting outside of the mainstream of everyday lives. o Used to maintain control over variablesExperimental vs. Quasi-Experimental Research Types-Experimental researcho Participants are randomly assigned to two or more groups under different conditions.o Researchers control the selection of conditions and can freely manipulate them.- Quasi-experimental researcho Doesn’t meet both of the conditions for experimental researcho Majority of research in communication sciences and disorders is this type.Types of Variables in Communication Disorders Research-Variables are concepts that take on different quantitative or qualitative values.-A Constant is the opposite because it does not change.Independent and Dependent Variables-An independent variable can be manipulated and controlled in experimental research.o Example with experimental research: In an experiment where groups are given one of two types of treatment, the type of treatment would be the independent variable because it is the treatment that the researchers chose and are comparing.o Example with quasi-experimental research: In an experiment involving three groups with varying levels of dysarthric speech, the independent variable is the level of severity because it is what changes between the groups. However, the researcher cannot control the participants’ level of severity.-The dependent variable is what researchers typically observe during an experiment, and is usually a behavior that has been defined.o The dependent variable is what will be measured during the experiment.o Ex: In the example of experimental research above, the amount of improvement from the treatment would be the dependent variable.Active and Attribute Variables- Active Variables can be manipulated by the researcher.- Attribute Variables are measured but not manipulated.o Ex: age, gender, eye color, etc.Continuous and Categorical Variables-Continuous Variables take on a range of values and have order.o Ex: age, height, weight, IQ, etc. - Categorical Variables don’t have the mathematical property of order. Participants are assigned to categories based on whether or not they possess a certain characteristic.o Ex: gender o Operational definitions are given to these types of categories so that they have meaning.Extraneous