Research in Communicative Disorders1 Scott Bradley, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Research in Communicative Disorders

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Scott Bradley, Ph.D.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater


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Introduction (chap 1)

Why Do We Study Research?

Types of Research

The Research Study


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Why Do We Study Research?

Consumers of Research

Producers of Research


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Types of Research

Basic vs. applied research

Experimental vs. descriptive research


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The Research Study

Introduction Title Abstract Introduction/review of the literature Statement of the problem


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The Research Study (cont.)

Method Subjects Materials/Instrumentation Procedure

Results

Conclusions and discussion


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Research Strategies (chap 2)

Variables in Empirical Research

Experimental Research

Descriptive Research


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Variables in Empirical Research

Independent & Dependent Variables

Active & Attribute Variables

Continuous and Categorical Variables


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Independent & Dependent Variables

Independent variable is presumed cause of the dependent variable.

Independent variable is controlled by experimenter

Dependent variable is what is measured.


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Active & Attribute Variables

Active variables are variables that can be manipulated. Active variables are usually associated w/

experimental research

Attribute variables are attributes which describe a specific group or condition and can not be actively manipulated Attribute variables are usually associated w/

descriptive research.


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Continuous and Categorical Variables

Continuous Range along a continuum E.g., age, frequency, dB, rating scale, height

Categorical Separate categories E.g., male v. female, conductive loss v. sensori

neural loss, disordered language v. normal language.


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Experimental Research

Characteristics Must have a purpose, research quest. or

hypothesis. Control occurrence of events Findings can be replicated Variables may be manipulated.


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Experimental Research (cont.)

Types of experimental research Bivalent experiments Multivalent experiments Parametric experiments


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Bivalent experiments

Must contain only two levels or categories of an independent variable. E.g., .5 mg v. .10 mg, males v. females, low

pitch v. high pitch, etc.

Can lead to erroneous results if an artificial dichotomy exists.


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Multivalent experiments

More than two levels or categories of the independent variable.

Provides a more complete picture of the effects of the independent variable.


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Parametric experiments

Simultaneous effect of more than one independent variable.

Has the advantage of looking at more than one factor and to examine interaction between the independent variables.


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Descriptive Research

Differences between descriptive and experimental research.

Attributes Does not lead to cause & effect relationship Can be as effective as experimental research

under certain circumstances


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Descriptive Research (cont.)

Comparative Research

Developmental Research

Correlational Research

Surveys

Case Study, Single Subject, and Retrospective Research


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Comparative Research

Probably the most common type of descriptive research

Problem w/ cause and effect

Problem with uncontrolled variables


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Developmental Research

Examines effect of age or maturation.

Designs Cross-sectional Longitudinal Semi-longitudinal


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Correlational Research

Examines the relationship between two or more variables

Purpose of correlational research Examine how closely one variable relates to

another Ability to predict one variable from another


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ScatterplotThe effects of the smart pill on intelligence

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0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

Dosage

IQ


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Surveys

Purpose

Questionnaires v. interviews

Pros and Cons


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Case Study, Single Subject, Retrospective

Case Study

Single subject

Retrospective


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Last Slide

Research in Communicative Disorders1 Scott Bradley, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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