Therapy Research : Processes and Practicalities

This book aims to demystify the whole process of research and to place it very firmly in reality. Thorough, academic, yet very practical in its approach, this book contains many examples, both real and hypothetical, exercises, summaries and key points. Brimming with sound practical advice, this text will be an essential purchase for all therapists starting their research projects.

Jane Seale BSc (Hons), PhD and Sue Barnard MSc, MCSP are both Lecturers at the School of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Southampton, UK

An essential new text for all physiotherapists and occupational therapists beginning research

Clarifies the research process and relates it to the real world for students and practitioners

User-friendly layout with key points highlighted and numerous examples and exercises for self assessment

'This book has the stated aim of demystifying the research process and discussing it in practical terms. As such it is targeted at undergraduate and qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists who consider themselves new to research.

The bookconsists of 20 chapters covering the spectrum of research from the initial research idea to its dissemination. The first three chapters address research question development and research methodologies. Chapters four to eight concern issues to do with datacollection including reliability and validity. Data analysis is covered in chapters nine to twelve. The remaining chapters discuss practicalities of research, ethical considerations, funding and communication of research.

Each chapter is well laid out with clear and relevant sub-headings. Examples are clearly highlighted and practical hints are presented frequently throughout the text. A summary of key points and a comprehensive reference list are given after each chapter. Admirably, some chapters offer the reader to work through examples which are then discussed at the end of the book...

An attractive aspect of this book is that it introduces the reader to the use of SPSS to analyze data...

The authors are to be commended for this book. They have produced an informative, readable and comprehensive piece of work for their intended market. At £18.99 it represents excellent value as a textbook for students and practitioners wishing to gain an initial grounding in research.'

Denis Martin DPhil BSc(Hons) MCSP
Lecturer, Dept. of Physiotherapy, Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh, UK
Reviewing in Physiotherapy Research International, Feb 1999.

"For those interested in an overview of many issues relevant to research within the profession, this book will provide useful information. The chapters pass from discussing the issues around why therapists need to be involved in research, through some of the writing processes involved, and conclude with advice on writing up research findings and disseminating the results.

One chapter of particular interest is that on ethical and moral considerations. It poses some useful questions and helps readers to understand the nature of ethical issues in research. The chapter about writing the research proposal will also help those new to the research process to formulate a basic document.

The text contains many gems of information and useful examples....

The text covers a description of many current methodologies and approaches to research and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. From this perspective it may be particularly useful as a reference book for those supervising student research projects."

Michele Harms PhD MSc MCSP
Physiotherapy Frontline, Feb. 1999

'... successful in presenting research in a way that will be of equal interest and relevance to occupational therapists and physiotherapists.'
Manual Therapy (1999) 4(2) 110-112

'This excellent and informative book would be an asset to any student or practising therapist.' - Therapy Weekly, Jan. 2000