RESEARCH METHODOLOGY TRAINING IN PHYSIOTHERAPY EDUCATION

Abstract

Research methodology is an essential but frequently underemphasised dimension of physiotherapy education. As the profession advances towards evidence-based practice, physiotherapy graduates must not only appraise existing research but also possess the skills to design, conduct, and disseminate original clinical enquiry. This chapter examines the current landscape of research methodology training within physiotherapy programmes globally and explores the pedagogical frameworks, curriculum models, and instructional strategies that underpin effective research education. It considers both quantitative and qualitative research traditions, highlights the role of mixed-methods approaches in addressing complex clinical questions, and reflects on the integration of evidence-based practice principles throughout the research training continuum. The chapter also addresses common barriers to research engagement among physiotherapy students and educators, including time constraints, limited faculty expertise, and inadequate institutional support. Emerging innovations such as interprofessional research education, technology-enhanced learning, and undergraduate research apprenticeship models are also discussed. Ultimately, this chapter argues that a systematic, contextually relevant, and practically oriented approach to research methodology training is fundamental to developing a physiotherapy workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to the evolving evidence base of the profession.