OVERVIEW, DEFINITIONS, AND GOALS FOR ASHAS TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND CLINICAL-TRIALS ACTIVITIES (WHAT DIFFERENCE DO OUTCOME DATA MAKE TO YOU)

This article examines differences between efficacy and effectiveness, describes two research designs related to measuring efficacy and effec tiveness, and describes the American Speech-Language-Hearing Associati on's (ASHA's) efforts relative to these research designs, with example s presented for how each of these designs can be used in the school se tting. Outcomes studies and clinical trials research are the particula r focus of the article. The characteristics of each type of research a re described and related to the school setting.