WELNS 670: Wellness Research Design

Chapter 4

Review

A Suitable Research Problem…

Addresses an important question such that the answer makes a difference

Advances knowledge by leading to new ways of thinking, suggesting possible applications, or leading to additional research

Steps to follow

State the problem clearly and completely Think through the feasibility that the problem

implies Say precisely what you mean Edit your work, choosing your words carefully

Further delineation

Stating the hypotheses and/or research questions

Delimiting the research Defining the terms Stating the assumptions Identifying the importance of the study

New Material

Reviewing Related Literature

Understanding the Role of the Review

Provide new ideas and approaches Inform about other researchers Show how others have handled methodology and

design issues Reveal sources of data Introduce you to measurement tools Reveal methods of dealing with problem situations Help interpret and make sense of findings and tie to

work of others Increase your confidence in your topic

Preparing to Review the Literature

Write down the problem Write each subproblem out Identify keywords and phrases Write keywords and potential topics to review

down under each subproblem… these topics become your “agenda”

Find resources Read!

Group Project

Problem:

Looking at Your Problem

For the next 5-10 minutes…– Develop a “Literature search agenda”

For the next 5-10 minutes…– Share you agenda with a partner and get ideas

and feedback

Share with entire class

The Search Is On…

Use a systematic approach for recording the information you will be gathering

Identify the materials you want to read and see if your library has them

– Keep track of the searches you conduct (i.e., databases searched, terms used)

– Let the computer track your lists when possible (consider using Endnotes)

Devise a plan of attack Track your sources down Record basic information as you read Identify strategies for getting unavailable materials

Writing a Review of Related Literature

Evaluate, organize, and synthesize what others have done… go beyond just reporting

Never take other’s conclusions at face value; determine for yourself whether conclusions are justified based on the data presented

Synthesize what you have learned– Compare and contrast varying theoretical perspectives– Show how approaches to the topic have changed over time– Describe general trends– Identify discrepant or contradictory findings, and suggest possible

explanations– Identify general themes

Example…

A growing body of evidence suggests that school and community based martial art programs directly impact a number of areas critical to health and wellness. Research now indicates that traditional martial art programs have been effective in physical rehabilitation (Massey & Kissling, 1999[i]), improving physical health and wellness (Massey, 1998[ii]); improving mental and personal health traits like self esteem, aggression and violence management (Weiser, Kutz, Kutz, & Weiser, 1995[iii]; Twemlow & Sacco, 1998[iv]); and, improving social health characteristics related to sense of belonging and group acceptance within a community (Brown & Johnson, 2000[v]). Most significantly, however, is recent research indicating the positive impact a martial art program can have on marital and family development, as well as its ability to foster a sense of community (Lantz, 2002[vi]).

[i] Massey, P.B., & Kisling, G.M. (1995). A single case report of healing through specific martial art therapy: Comparison of MRI to clinical resolution in severe cervical stenosis: A case report. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 5, 75-79.

[ii] Massey, P.B., (1998). Medicine and the martial arts: A brief historical perspective. Alternative Complementary Therapy, 4, 128-133.[iii] Weiser, M., Kutz, I., Kutz, S. J., & Weiser, D. (1995). Psychotherapeutic aspects of the martial arts. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 49, 118-127.[iv] Twemlow, S.W. & Sacco, F. (1998). The application of traditional martial arts practice and theory to the treatment of violent adolescents. Adolescence. 33,

503-618.[v] Brown, D. & Johnson, A. (2000). The social practice of self defense martial arts: Applications for physical education. Quest, 52, 246-259.[vi] Lantz, J. (2002). Family development and the martial arts: A phenomenological study. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24, 565-580.

Writing a Clear and Cohesive Review

Get the proper psychological orientation – be clear in your thinking

Have a plan – inverted pyramid Emphasize relatedness – how dose the literature you are

reviewing relate to your problem? Review the literature. Don’t reproduce it. – remember to

reference the author(s) whose ideas you are presenting Summarize what you have said – use the heading “summary” Rewrite… rewrite… rewrite Ask others for advice and feedback

When do you quit??????

Never – Not really!!!!!

Look for repetitive patterns in the materials you are finding

Stop when what you are reading does not provide further insight (either supporting or contradicting)