Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-28-2023
Abstract
Background: Research is the scientific basis for the profession of dietetics, as it must be located and applied in evidence‐based practice (EBP). EBP is often presented as a foundational skill for research. CEAR – Core, Evidence Application, Research – is a newly proposed model that separates Research and Evidence Application skills into distinct domains, jointly supported by a set of Core skills, thus acknowledging that education and advancement in one domain neither requires nor precipitates education and advancement in the other. The goal was to investigate the content and construct validity of the new CEAR Model. Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey of randomly selected dietitians in the United States was used to collect CEAR domain scores, validated measures of research or EBP skills and self‐reported characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α and Pearson correlation between various tools and CEAR domains were used to assess validity and reliability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression between CEAR domains and participant characteristics were used to assess convergent and divergent validity. Results: One hundred and fifty‐four responses with a valid CEAR score were received and led to a three‐factor solution, supporting the theorised differentiation of research from evidence application skills (content validity). Internal reliability for the CEAR Model overall and for each domain was high. The hypothesised correlations between existing research or EBP measurement tools and the relevant CEAR domains were found (construct validity). Known groups analysis demonstrated the expected differences in CEAR domain scores based on participant characteristics. Conclusions: The CEAR Model demonstrates preliminary validity and internal reliability. It adds to the current literature by acknowledging the separateness of evidence application skills from research skills.
Keywords
dietetics, evidence-based practice, research
Publication Title
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Rights
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Dietetic Association.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Jordan R, Watowicz RP,King C, Phillips C, Obeid R, Hand RK.Preliminary content and construct validity of anew model to differentiate research skills fromevidence‐based practice skills: Core, EvidenceApplication, Research (CEAR) Model. J HumNutr Diet. 2024;37:440–458.https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.13266