Some limitations of evaluative investigations based solely on normed outcome measures

The present article argues that evaluative research in audiologic rehabilitation should be consistent with contemporary conceptual frameworks of rehabilitation. Moreover, comprehensive evaluative research investigations should include an evaluation of (1) the process of intervention and (2) the impacts and consequences of the intervention program. An approach to rehabilitation based on the principle that intervention should be viewed as a solution-centered problem-solving process is outlined. Then, three illustrative cases are described and compared from the perspective of traditional evaluative research paradigms and from the perspective that audiologic rehabilitation is a solution-centered problem-solving process. Some shortcomings of traditional approaches to evaluative research are discussed. Finally, some guidelines that could lead to the development of comprehensive evaluative research in rehabilitation are outlined.