PHTH 5590 - Research I (1)

This course is the first in a series of five that leads to a final research project that fulfills the required writing and presentation of that project to the faculty. This course provides a basic exploration of the fundamentals necessary for scientific inquiry. Topics include: literature review, formation of a research hypothesis, rules of measurement, research methodology, use of human subjects, reliability, validity, sampling methods, threats to internal validity, introduction to general statistical designs. The course also presents the students with the views that physical therapy is in need of scientific-evidence based research. First, the students will be introduced to research fundamentals including not only general research theory but also research in physical therapy, theory in physical therapy research and research ethics. Second, students will learn how to critically read and evaluate the literature. Third, this course will provide students with skills needed to conduct a literature search off- and online databases. Fourth, the students will learn how to develop an answerable research question and how to evaluate research problems. Finally, the students will learn about plagiarism, how to properly cite references, and understand the importance of protecting one’s intellectual property. Prerequisite(s): Completion of 2nd semester of professional program and/or permission of the instructor.