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Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Shepard, KF; Jensen, GM; Schmoll, BJ; Hack, LM; Gwyer, J
Published in: Phys Ther
February 1993

This article presents philosophical approaches to research in physical therapy. A comparison is made to demonstrate how the research purpose, research design, research methods, and research data differ when one approaches research from the philosophical perspective of positivism (predominantly quantitative) as compared with the philosophical perspective of phenomenology (predominantly qualitative). Differences between the two approaches are highlighted by examples from research articles published in Physical Therapy. The authors urge physical therapy researchers to become familiar with the tenets, rigor, and knowledge gained from the use of both approaches in order to increase their options in conducting research relevant to the practice of physical therapy.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Phys Ther

DOI

ISSN

0031-9023

Publication Date

February 1993

Volume

73

Issue

2

Start / End Page

88 / 97

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Science
  • Research Design
  • Research
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Rehabilitation
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Philosophy
  • Models, Organizational
  • Humans
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Shepard, K. F., Jensen, G. M., Schmoll, B. J., Hack, L. M., & Gwyer, J. (1993). Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology. Phys Ther, 73(2), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/73.2.88
Shepard, K. F., G. M. Jensen, B. J. Schmoll, L. M. Hack, and J. Gwyer. “Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology.Phys Ther 73, no. 2 (February 1993): 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/73.2.88.
Shepard KF, Jensen GM, Schmoll BJ, Hack LM, Gwyer J. Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology. Phys Ther. 1993 Feb;73(2):88–97.
Shepard, K. F., et al. “Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology.Phys Ther, vol. 73, no. 2, Feb. 1993, pp. 88–97. Pubmed, doi:10.1093/ptj/73.2.88.
Shepard KF, Jensen GM, Schmoll BJ, Hack LM, Gwyer J. Alternative approaches to research in physical therapy: positivism and phenomenology. Phys Ther. 1993 Feb;73(2):88–97.

Published In

Phys Ther

DOI

ISSN

0031-9023

Publication Date

February 1993

Volume

73

Issue

2

Start / End Page

88 / 97

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Science
  • Research Design
  • Research
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Rehabilitation
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Philosophy
  • Models, Organizational
  • Humans