ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that quantitative research is viewed more positively than qualitative research. It explains internal validity that is given more weight than external validity. The chapter discusses multiple studies on a topic that are viewed more favorably than a single study. Last, studies with large sample sizes are rated higher than studies with small sample sizes. New teaching methods provide excellent examples of situations that are in need of evidence-based practice (EBP). Clinical judgments and qualitative evidence also may supplement or enrich the data from quantitative studies, even data from randomized experiments. Evidence-based practice also can be applied to the selection of a new intervention for community programs. In these evidence-based practice classification systems, studies that combine a large sample size with strong internal validity are most highly valued. For some studies, the goal is description of a phenomenon or participants' views. In others the goal is prediction or the identification of relationships among variables.
