The Critical Assessment of Research
The Critical Assessment of Research

Author: Alan Bailin

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2010-02-12

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13: 1780630271

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This book examines the following factors: sponsorship of research, control of the dissemination of research, effects of dominant research paradigms, financial interests of authors, publishers, and editors, role of new technologies (for example, Web 2.0).It is widely accepted among researchers and educators that the peer review process, the reputation of the publisher and examination of the author's credentials are the gold standards for assessing the quality of research and information. However, the traditional gold standards are not sufficient, and the effective evaluation of information requires the consideration of additional factors. Controversies about positive evaluations of new medications that appear in peer-reviewed journals, the financial reports on Enron prior to the revelations that led to its collapse, and obstacles to the publication of research that does not conform to dominant paradigms are just a few examples that indicate the need for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach to evaluating information.Each of the factors is discussed in a factual manner, supported by many examples that illustrate not only the nature of the issues but also their complexity. Practical suggestions for the evaluation of information are an integral part of the text. - Highlights frequently overlooked criteria for evaluating research - Challenges the assumption that the gold standards for evaluation are sufficient - Examines the role of new technologies in evaluating and disseminating research

Finding What Works in Health Care
Finding What Works in Health Care

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2011-07-20

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 0309164257

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Healthcare decision makers in search of reliable information that compares health interventions increasingly turn to systematic reviews for the best summary of the evidence. Systematic reviews identify, select, assess, and synthesize the findings of similar but separate studies, and can help clarify what is known and not known about the potential benefits and harms of drugs, devices, and other healthcare services. Systematic reviews can be helpful for clinicians who want to integrate research findings into their daily practices, for patients to make well-informed choices about their own care, for professional medical societies and other organizations that develop clinical practice guidelines. Too often systematic reviews are of uncertain or poor quality. There are no universally accepted standards for developing systematic reviews leading to variability in how conflicts of interest and biases are handled, how evidence is appraised, and the overall scientific rigor of the process. In Finding What Works in Health Care the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 21 standards for developing high-quality systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research. The standards address the entire systematic review process from the initial steps of formulating the topic and building the review team to producing a detailed final report that synthesizes what the evidence shows and where knowledge gaps remain. Finding What Works in Health Care also proposes a framework for improving the quality of the science underpinning systematic reviews. This book will serve as a vital resource for both sponsors and producers of systematic reviews of comparative effectiveness research.

Implementation and Critical Assessment of the Flipped Classroom Experience
Implementation and Critical Assessment of the Flipped Classroom Experience

Author: Scheg, Abigail G.

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2015-01-31

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 1466674652

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In the past decade, traditional classroom teaching models have been transformed in order to better promote active learning and learner engagement. Implementation and Critical Assessment of the Flipped Classroom Experience seeks to capture the momentum of non-traditional teaching methods and provide a necessary resource for individuals who are interested in taking advantage of this pedagogical endeavor. Using narrative explanations and foundation materials provided by experienced instructors, this premier reference work presents the benefits and challenges of flipped methodology implementation in today’s classroom to educators and educational administrators across all disciplines and levels.

Studying A Study and Testing a Test
Studying A Study and Testing a Test

Author: Richard K. Riegelman

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Published: 2012-06-18

Total Pages: 353

ISBN-13: 0781774268

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Rev. ed. of: Studying a study and testing a test / Richard K. Riegelman.

Handbook of EHealth Evaluation
Handbook of EHealth Evaluation

Author: Francis Yin Yee Lau

Publisher:

Published: 2016-11

Total Pages: 487

ISBN-13: 9781550586015

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To order please visit https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/press/books/ordering/

Learning and Performance Assessment: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications
Learning and Performance Assessment: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications

Author: Management Association, Information Resources

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2019-10-11

Total Pages: 1792

ISBN-13: 1799804216

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As teaching strategies continue to change and evolve, and technology use in classrooms continues to increase, it is imperative that their impact on student learning is monitored and assessed. New practices are being developed to enhance students’ participation, especially in their own assessment, be it through peer-review, reflective assessment, the introduction of new technologies, or other novel solutions. Educators must remain up-to-date on the latest methods of evaluation and performance measurement techniques to ensure that their students excel. Learning and Performance Assessment: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source that examines emerging perspectives on the theoretical and practical aspects of learning and performance-based assessment techniques and applications within educational settings. Highlighting a range of topics such as learning outcomes, assessment design, and peer assessment, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for educators, administrative officials, principals, deans, instructional designers, school boards, academicians, researchers, and education students seeking coverage on an educator’s role in evaluation design and analyses of evaluation methods and outcomes.

Use of Experts in International Freshwater Disputes
Use of Experts in International Freshwater Disputes

Author: Makane Moise Mbengue

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2019-10-29

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13: 9004420436

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In Use of Experts in International Freshwater Disputes, Mbengue and Das offer a critical assessment of the involvement of experts in resolving international water disputes. International disputes related to freshwater are increasing in number and complexity. The rising complexity is necessarily accompanied and compounded by the involvement of experts in dispute resolution. This monograph examines, through a number of case studies, decided by international tribunals, the role and use (or absence) of experts in international freshwater disputes. Through this examination, the authors identify the lacunae as well as good practices in expert use in disputes of this nature. The monograph goes on to suggest the best practices with respect to expert involvement and use for a more efficient and fair resolution of international water disputes.

Critical Appraisal of Epidemiological Studies and Clinical Trials
Critical Appraisal of Epidemiological Studies and Clinical Trials

Author: Mark Elwood

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2007-02-22

Total Pages: 615

ISBN-13: 0191004944

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This book presents a logical system of critical appraisal, to allow readers to evaluate studies and to carry out their own studies more effectively. This system emphasizes the central importance of cause and effect relationships. Its great strength is that it is applicable to a wide range of issues, and both to intervention trials and observational studies. This system unifies the often different approaches used in epidemiology, health services research, clinical trials, and evidence-based medicine, starting from a logical consideration of cause and effect. The author's approach to the issues of study design, selection of subjects, bias, confounding, and the place of statistical methods has been praised for its clarity and interest. Systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and the applications of this logic to evidence-based medicine, knowledge-based health care, and health practice and policy are discussed. Current and often controversial examples are used, including screening for prostate cancer, publication bias in psychiatry, public health issues in developing countries, and conflicts between observational studies and randomized trials. Statistical issues are explained clearly without complex mathematics, and the most useful methods are summarized in the appendix. The final chapters give six applications of the critical appraisal of major studies: randomized trials of medical treatment and prevention, a prospective and a retrospective cohort study, a small matched case-control study, and a large case-control study. In these chapters, sections of the original papers are reproduced and the original studies placed in context by a summary of current developments.

Transformative Research and Evaluation
Transformative Research and Evaluation

Author: Donna M. Mertens

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 2008-10-29

Total Pages: 417

ISBN-13: 1593859856

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From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this core book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged from - and guides - a broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researcher-community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented. An ideal core book for graduate courses, or practitioner resource, the book includes: Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative. Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation. Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion. Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries. The book is intended for graduate students in psychology, education, social work, sociology, and nursing, as well as practicing researchers and program evaluators. It will serve as a core book or supplement in Research Methods, Program Evaluation, and Community Psychology courses.