About This Book

Most complementary health care practitioners recognize the potential of scientific research to enhance the effectiveness of clinical care, but often have limited education in research literacy. This book is written for complementary and integrative health care practioners at every level, especially those without a prior science background. It contains an explanation of the scientific method and the research process, step-by-step directions for locating research articles, and standards for classifying and evaluating both quantitative and qualitative studies. This new edition includes a chapter on understanding basic statistical concepts, a chapter on designing and conducting case reports, and an expanded chapter on evaluating qualitative research. An excellent resource for students, educators, and clinicians, Making Sense of Research is a foundation text for anyone interested in evidence-based practice.

About the Author

Martha Brown Menard PhD, CMT, is a massage therapist, research scientist, author and educator. Much of her clinical work over 25 years has focused on oncology massage, pain management, and massage for trauma survivors; these are her areas of research interest as well. Dr. Menard is the author of Making Sense of Research, a guide to research literacy that is used as an introductory textbook in many integrative health care training programs in North America. She has served on the faculty of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and is a member of the editorial boards for the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and for the Massage Therapy Journal. In 2008, she started a consulting firm, Sigma Applied Research, specializing in research design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, grant-writing, and program evaluation. Clients she has worked with include schools and universities, nonprofit organizations, and government.

Dr. Menard lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she still maintains a private practice. She can be reached at Martha@SigmaAppliedResearch.com