Nonhuman animal research and historical research.

Responds to J. A. Kelly's (see record 1986-26380-001) criticism of N. E. Miller's (see record 1986-08018-001) defense of behavioral research with nonhuman animals, suggesting that the frank acceptance of humans' dependence on other species will likely produce appropriate human behavior toward all life forms. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Improving methodology via research on research methods.

Notes that many methodological assumptions have been almost universally accepted and that their validity is rarely, if ever, assessed. In this light, the following 3 methodological assumptions are explored: (a) that self-reports prior to intervention adequately reflect the S's state, (b) that self-report measures are best validated by correlation with behavior indices, and (c) that the 2-group, pretest–posttest design adequately protects against instrumentation errors in judges' ratings. It is suggested that the findings of research programs in these areas question the adequacy of frequently employed experimental techniques. (37 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethics and research: ethical considerations in clinical research

Two subjects are discussed: the use of placebo controls in clinical trials and informed consent. Particularly in trials of drugs for disorders for which there exist effective treatments, the use of placebo is still controversial, although anyhow in violation of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent aims at giving a subject all the necessary information to allow him to decide, with full knowledge, whether to accept a particular treatment or experimental protocol. Its importance would seem, albeit essential, to be rather illusory.     

Historical research in nursing: standards for research and evaluation

Historical research, a method of inquiry that combines science and literature, often supports a common thesis that an informed understanding of nursing history provides insights that can contribute effective approaches to current professional issues. Historical research was formally recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1965. A review of 11 recent historical research studies supports the concept that adherence to established standards of research and presentation contributes to the value of historical research. While relating an interesting story is an intrinsic element of historical research, the research gains purpose and meaning when the presentation of data includes a statement of purpose utilizing a research question, a review of literature establishing a relation to the greater nursing community, and a concluding analysis relating the research to current and future professional issues.     

Evaluating the clarity of research reports written for research subjects

It is not simple to report research results to the people who participated in the research as subjects of study. Few evaluations have examined subjects' understanding of written research findings. In two recent studies of solvent exposure, subjects received brief summaries of the research. Before they were sent, the summaries were evaluated by research, health, and communication specialists as well as by representatives of the target audience. For one of the studies, interviews were conducted with subjects before and after they received the reports. Although the subjects said they understood the summary, their answers to questions about its content indicated otherwise. The results suggest that researchers not rely on subjects' self-assessments of their understanding but instead design methods to test subjects' knowledge directly. Those tests would be most valuable if applied in formative evaluations, when the opportunity exists to improve the research summaries.     

An investigation of early research experience and research self-efficacy.

Graduate students in psychology typically report that they either love research or hate research. Despite the fact that most doctoral students in psychology enter some type of clinical practice upon graduation, research is a requirement for all students enrolled in scientist-practitioner programs regardless of their career aspirations beyond graduation. Research advances knowledge in the field of psychology and often guides clinical practice, yet very few psychologists conduct research after graduate school (C. J. Gelso, 1993). Efforts have been undertaken to determine factors that contribute to graduate students' research productivity. One such factor may be research self-efficacy. This study examined the influence of early research experience as a factor to bolster research self-efficacy. Results indicated that supportive peers and mentors contributed to positive research experiences. Additionally, positive team research experiences significantly predicted research self-efficacy. Implications for training programs and students are provided. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Qualitative research and its role in play therapy research.

The role and value of qualitative research for play therapy is the focus of this article. The premise is that qualitative research is a natural extension of the therapeutic process and thus can make a contribution to play therapy in the development of models and theories that will lead to future research and development. Qualitative research is placed within the context of current issues related to research in play therapy. The characteristics of qualitative research are presented and linked to the therapeutic process. Suggested research questions appropriate for qualitative inquiry are suggested. We can use qualitative research to build our understanding of the therapeutic process and the relationships in therapy helping to construct a model of change and a theory of growth change within play therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biomedical research.

Addresses the issue of animal use in research. The increasing public debate between animal rights advocates and health research scientists over the past few years has changed the way all of us think about the use of animals in scientific tests. At one end of the spectrum is the viewpoint that humans may use animals in any way. At the other end is the view that animals have the right not to be used for any purpose that does not directly benefit them. The principle of humane treatment is common ground regardless of how the principle is interpreted and applied. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A research primer

Research is critical for the continued development of ET nursing knowledge. Although ET nurses have an interest in research, some may lack understanding of basic terms used in quantitative research. This article is a research primer that focuses on basic information about the research process. Information is presented about a study's purpose, literature review, conceptual framework, questions or hypotheses, instruments, design, sample, and statistics. The reader participates in the process by answering questions placed throughout the article.     

Encounter research.

Refers readers interested in the article by D. Hartley et al (see record 1977-01609-001) to 4 articles on encounter research by M. J. Diamond and J. L. Shapiro (see record 1976-05062-001), J. Rowan (see record 1976-02670-001), W. Schutz (see record 1976-02672-001), and P. B. Smith (see record 1976-02673-001). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)