Research Part 1: Basics and Statistics to Memorize (OCS Field Guide)

Presented by David Smelser and Austin Kercheville

Research Part 1: Basics and Statistics to Memorize (OCS Field Guide)

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Audio Runtime: 20 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 5 Minutes

This course explores foundational research concepts and values within the context of physical therapy research and practice. While the course aims to assist examinees in preparation for a board certification exam, all practicing clinicians will be able to apply this information to interpret effect sizes, reliability, and likelihood ratios in order to make decisions about their clinical practice. At the end of the course, participants will be able to read these values in a research report and analyze how useful the test or finding will be in practice.

Learning Objectives
  • Analyze how p values and alpha levels affect the likelihood of type I and type II errors in physical therapy research
  • Determine an intervention’s effectiveness using effect sizes reported in a research article
  • Determine the reliability and clinical utility of a test using a Cohen’s kappa value reported in a research article
  • Use likelihood ratios to determine whether a clinical finding should result in a small or large shift in the probability of an outcome

Meet your instructors

David Smelser

Dr. Smelser is a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University where he teaches in the musculoskeletal and clinical reasoning series of courses. He also produces and cohosts the leading OCS-prep podcast, OCS Field Guide. David continues to treat patients with orthopedic and vestibular impairments in a…

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Austin Kercheville

Dr. Kercheville received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He practices as a part of an interdisciplinary team focused on helping individuals with chronic pain improve health and maximize function. Dr. Kercheville also mentors aspiring clinical specialists, leads study…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Research Part 1: Basics and Statistics to Memorize (OCS Field Guide)

1. Research Part 1: Basics and Statistics to Memorize (OCS Field Guide)

In this episode, David Smelser, PT, DPT, and Austin Kercheville, PT, DPT, chat with the host about interpreting p values, effect sizes, and likelihood ratios in clinical research. You’ll also learn how to apply these concepts to enhance evidence-based practice. Whether you're preparing for board certification or just looking to improve your research literacy, this conversation lays the foundation for making data-driven decisions in your practice.