Research Support Program

Quantitative research relies on data that are observed or measured. It involves the use of defined research questions, hypotheses, and carefully designed experiments or surveys to gather empirical data. Quantitative research includes the following categories:

Experimental
Research designs that include and intervention, control group, and random assignment of groups (randomized controlled trials)

Quasi-experimental
Includes an intervention and a control group, but there is no randomization in group assignment (non-randomized trial)

Descriptive Non-experimental
Do not include an intervention or random assignment. These rely on reviewing data that already exists, such as accessing existing data in the EASI Scoring Program.

Qualitative research involved collecting and analyzing non-numerical data. This type of research is interested in participant experiences, perceptions, and behavior. It often looks at themes and patterns that are difficult to quantify. The methods employed often involve open-ended questions, participant observations, and in-depth interviews, allowing for a more holistic understanding of the subject under investigation. The findings of qualitative research provide valuable insights into social, cultural, psychological, and contextual factors, offering a deeper understanding of individuals and communities and informing the development of theories and hypotheses in various fields, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, and healthcare.

Systematic reviews are comprehensive and methodical summaries of existing research evidence on a specific topic or question. They follow a structured and transparent process to collect, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies in a systematic manner, aiming to minimize bias and ensure the highest possible level of evidence. The process typically involves clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a thorough search of multiple databases, data extraction, quality assessment, and a rigorous synthesis of findings. By aggregating and critically appraising multiple studies, systematic reviews provide a more reliable and holistic understanding of a subject, aiding in evidence-based decision-making across various fields, from healthcare and medicine to social sciences and education. They serve as invaluable resources for professionals, policymakers, researchers, and anyone seeking a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in a particular area.

A single subject design focuses on the in-depth exploration and analysis of an individual. Research concentrates on a single individual, examining their responses and behaviors over time under various conditions or interventions. The aim is to thoroughly understand and analyze the complexities of the case and derive meaningful insights.

Guidelines for conducting single subject research:
1. Define the objectives and research question
2. Develop a detailed plan for data collection, utilizing a variety of methods such as interviews, observations, testing, surveys, and analysis of relevant documents.
3. Obtain consent from the involved parties are crucial to maintain the integrity and respect the rights and privacy of individuals or cases under study.
4. Transparent reporting of methods, results, and interpretations

Implementation science aims to bridge gaps between research and practice. It is the scientific study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practice and research into regular use by practitioners and policymakers. It involves understanding the barriers and facilitators to implementing research findings and designing strategies to enhance the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of proven practices. This field encompasses the systematic study of how innovations are introduced, adopted, and integrated within diverse contexts such as healthcare, education, social services, and beyond. Ultimately, the goal of implementation science is to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of services and programs through informed and efficient implementation processes.

A case report is a detailed, in-depth document or publication that describes a case observed in clinical practice.

Case reports include the following essential components:
1. Clear and concise description of case outlining patient history
2. Detailed information about the diagnostic procedure or assessments utilized
3. Description of the intervention
4. Report of patient outcomes
5. Practice implications

Please click here to learn more about recommended structures of case reports:
It will also be helpful to check with journals that accept case reports and review their guidelines for case study submission. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy and The Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics journals are two journals worth exploring for case study publication.

CASE REPORT EXAMPLES:
Beaudry, I. B., Schaaf, R. C., & Ramos, E. P. (2013). Brief Report—Occupational therapy based on Ayres Sensory Integration in the treatment of retentive fecal incontinence in a 3-year-old boy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67, 601–606. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2013.008086.

Faller, P., Hunt, J., van Hooydonk, E., Mailloux, Z., & Schaaf, R. (2016). Application of Data-Driven Decision Making using Ayres Sensory Integration® with a child with autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70, 7001220020. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.016881.