A Crash Course on Reading and Interpreting Empirical Research Articles

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This webinar will provide an introduction to reading and interpreting empirical research articles related to the child life profession, with a focus on identifying rigorous research studies. Current research articles will be discussed, including analyses of articles written by Certified Child Life Specialists.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:
• List the components of a research article.
• Understand what information is provided in each section of a research article.
• Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research methodology.
• Understand the three major issues with empirical research: sampling, measurement, and problem identification.
• Analyze research articles to determine flaws in study design.
• Understand common challenges encountered when conducting rigorous psychosocial research.

Domain: Professional Responsibility

Brittany Wittenberg

Ph.D., CCLS, CFLE

Brittany Wittenberg is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Louisiana State University and a Certified Child Life Specialist. Brittany completed her PhD, MA, and BS in Human Development and Family Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. From 2009–2016, Brittany practiced as a child life specialist in the Surgical Services Department at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas in Austin, Texas.

Megan Cassani

Megan Cassani MA, CCLS, RWWP, CIMI, has been a certified Child Life Specialist at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital since 2014. Megan graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation with patients of all ages. Megan has worked to develop a family-centered care child life program promoting caregiver and sibling coping as well as family bonding and connectedness.

Dottie Barnhart

CCLS

Dottie Barnhart is a former teacher turned child life assistant who now works as a General Pediatric Child Life Specialist. She completed undergrad at the University of Texas in Austin, with a double major in English Literature and Spanish Language. After teaching for 5 years, she returned to school to complete a Master's Degree in Family and Child Development at Texas State University. Her passions include trauma-informed care, research, interprofessional collaboration among the healthcare team, and hiking. She is a mom to a one year old, and has been married to her husband Matt for 5 years.