Research Bias
Understanding research bias is important to evaluating the usefulness of the information. Consider the following:
The best research will be in professional journals. Look for journals in the fields of psychiatry, speech/language, early education, special education, and physical and occupational therapy. You can access a university library to explore these journals. Ask a librarian to show you how to research for journal articles and research on particular subjects.
When reading a study, look to see who is funding the project. Caution research that is being funded by an organization or company who will benefit -either financially or by professional reputation - from the results of an intervention.
Look for independent research studies conducted by experts who have nothing to gain (or lose) by the results of the study. Their research is strictly objective.
Look for current research studies. If you find a study more than five years old, try to find out if anything new has been published. Up-to-date research will be the most valid.
Caution information posted on ".com" websites - anyone can create a website and post information about treatment for children. Find out who sponsors the webpage and if they gain anything by posting faulty evidence.