Filter database results by research population characteristics. Look for these filters in PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed.
Age Group
Different age groups (pediatric, adult, elderly) present unique challenges and research opportunities in SLP. Age-related issues like developmental delays in children or degenerative diseases in older adults may influence the pathology being studied.
Gender
Some speech and language disorders may vary in prevalence or characteristics between genders. This could be an important consideration depending on your research questions.
Location
Urban vs. rural settings can also be an important variable. Access to SLP services may vary significantly depending on the geographical location of the research population.
Additional Population Characteristics to Consider:
Co-morbid Conditions
Many individuals with speech or language disorders may also have other conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD). Decide whether your research will focus solely on SLP-related issues or also take into account co-morbid conditions.
Diagnosis or Condition
The specific condition you are studying (e.g., aphasia, stuttering, language disorders, etc.) will have a significant impact on your research design. Some conditions are more prevalent in specific age groups or demographics.
Watch the short video showing you how: psycINFO Population Characteristics Filters