Coursework & Fieldwork What is research like?

[elischeesecake]

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I feel a bit silly asking this question, but I'm wondering what research is like in various OT programs. Does research involve working with patients to gather data and then spending a lot of time analyzing data/doing statistical analysis of that data? I have no research experience so I guess I'm not even sure what kinds of questions to ask-- I am just curious about it all! I think I'm really interested in it but also think I should know a bit more about what it's like! Thank you in advance for your input and experiences! 😀

 

[OTjourney]

I feel a bit silly asking this question, but I'm wondering what research is like in various OT programs. Does research involve working with patients to gather data and then spending a lot of time analyzing data/doing statistical analysis of that data? I have no research experience so I guess I'm not even sure what kinds of questions to ask-- I am just curious about it all! I think I'm really interested in it but also think I should know a bit more about what it's like! Thank you in advance for your input and experiences! 😀

Hi! I work full-time as a research assistant at a major metropolitan hospital. Research is basically a hypothesis you are trying to explore.

Roles vary in research and, depending on your role, life in research typically consist of:

• Writing grants (usually the PI) to obtain funding for the study
• Creating study methods and protocols
• Submitting documents for IRB approval
• Recruiting participants
• Administering consent
• Interacting with participants/conducting sessions
• Collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data
• Writing papers or publications

So I guess to answer your question--yes, research does involve working with participants, gathering data, and performing statistical analyses. 🙂

 

[OThopeful97]

I'm glad you asked this because I was wondering the same thing! haha. I've done a couple research projects in undergrad but I've never done a thesis. The program I am considering seems to be research heavy and includes a thesis. Can anyone explain the process for that? I feel like I'm going to be so lost!