Research Methods

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. identify research problems; 2. describe what literature search and review entail; 3. describe different research designs and sampling methods; and 4. describe the process of investigating a research problem.

Research in physiotherapy – focus on the 21st century research. Identification of research problems. Literature search and review – peripheral and core literature, electronic search engines, importance of meta-analysis, use of literature to guide research. Research designs and sampling methods. Variables – independent & dependent. Data collection, storage and analysis and presentation. Referencing styles, Manuscript preparation for dissertation and journal publication.