Describing participants in aphasia research: Part 1. Audit of current practice

Abstract

Background: In order for readers to fully understand the results of published studies of aphasia, and in order to replicate studies and conduct meta‐analyses, it is critical that authors adequately describe the participants in these studies. A number of authors have made recommendations as to which variables should be included in descriptions of participants in studies of aphasia. In addition, the American Psychological Association (APA) publication manual (2001)—the most widely recognised standard for the social sciences—includes specific guidelines for describing research participants.Aims: To review how aphasic participants in current studies are described, and to assess the adequacy of these descriptions in relation to both the APA guidelines (2001), and the recommendations made by Brookshire (1983).Methods & Procedures: We reviewed 100 articles on aphasia, published in 2001 and 2002, and identified which of 43 variables were included in the descriptions of participants. The audit included only articles that were peer‐reviewed and focused on the linguistic features of or treatment for aphasia subsequent to stroke. Separate results are reported for group studies and single case studies, and for studies of symptoms and treatment studies.Outcomes & Results: Most articles fell far short of the recommended standards. Only seven variables were reported in 65% or more of studies. Single case studies and group studies provided similar levels of detail.Conclusions: More complete descriptions of participants in aphasia research are needed if published studies are to meet the standard set by the APA, advance our understanding of aphasia, and inform future treatment studies.