Research II: Research Methods and Experimentation

Catalog description

This is the second course in a series of four research courses in which students continue the collaborative work with faculty research advisors on important and significant clinical problems of common interest that can contribute to the body of knowledge in physical therapy and improve clinical practice. DPTN 615 is designed to both accommodate and encourage student interest in independent research. In this course, the 4–6-member research groups continue their participation in unique learning experiences related to the research process in which students plan, organize and carry out independent and original research projects under the supervision of, and in collaboration with, a faculty research advisor. In addition, student research groups in collaboration with their faculty research advisors refine research proposals and prepare the required IRB Forms and Informed Consent Documents for submission to the IRB Committee of Touro University for approval of their research studies. DPT 615 focuses on all aspects of the methodology including data collection and analysis including subject recruitment and selection, implementation of testing and intervention protocols, measurement of outcomes, data entry and reduction, statistical analysis, and data interpretation. Student research groups adhere to a pre-planned time schedule set by the faculty advisor to ensure completion of the research project in a timely manner. Student research groups also attend periodic seminar meetings to discuss their research experiences with the instructor, faculty research advisor and fellow students. These meetings may include presentations of the study design and preliminary research findings.