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Physical Therapy Residental Capstone Project

A guide about the Physical Therapy Capstone project and resources on various research methods.

What is Observational Research?

Observational research is an approach to research in which the researcher observes research participants in some way.  The extend to which the presence of the researcher is apparent to those being studied can vary.

Definition from Sage Research Methods' Methods Map.

Useful vocabulary

Covert research
An investigative strategy in which the researcher's professional identity and academic intentions are hidden, either partially or fully, from those involved in the study.

Hawthorne effect
A tendency for subjects of research to change their behavior simply because they are being studied.

Participant observation
A methodological approach in which, usually over a lengthy period, a researcher becomes involved, either overtly or covertly, in a setting, culture, group or organization in order to study it.

Structured observation
A method of collecting observational data through the use of pre-coded schedules which allow the presence, frequency, and duration of specified actions, behaviors, or occurrences to be recorded in a systematic way.

Definitions are from Sage Research Methods' Methods Map.

Videos on Observational Research