Physical Therapy Research Guide

Quantitative research produces data that is expressed numerically, such as test scores or measures of length or width. 

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Qualitative research "aims to describe and explain individuals' subjective experiences, actions, interactions, and social contexts through various approaches"

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Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative research method, realizing the strengths and limitations of each.

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Experimental research The basic characteristic of all experimental research is that the investigator manipulates an independent variable (the variable that is expected to produce an effect) in order to affect a dependent variable (the variable in which a specific outcome is observed). In experimental research, participants with similar characteristics are randomly assigned to either an experimental group (exposed to independent variable) or a control group (not exposed to independent variable) and researchers compare the outcomes of the groups.

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Quasi-experimental research is similar to experimental research but either lacks a control group or participants are not assigned to groups at random.

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Observational research uses non-experimental methods to generate quantitative data about participants' behavior within a specific environment.

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Correlational research is a type of observational research that examines the relationships between variables, but unlike experimental or quasi-experimental studies, correlational studies lack active manipulation of the independent variable(s). Correlational studies cannot, by themselves, establish a cause-and-effect relationship between variables, but are helpful in establishing that a relationship between variables warrants further investigation.

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