Behavioral Core
There is increasing use of behavioral studies in biobehavioral and biomedical research. Defined broadly, "behavioral studies" encompass intellectual/developmental testing, specialized neuropsychological testing, school achievement testing, behavioral, personality, adaptive behavior inventories/schedules, quality of life scales, and structured psychiatric interviews.
Such measures are used to select or characterize samples, to measure the effects and side-effects of treatments such as in pharmacological trials, and to track the course of recovery from a disease or injury. Behavioral studies often add a practical aspect to research by defining meaningful outcomes. This is particularly valuable with the current emphasis on applied research informing empirically-guided clinical practices that take into account the broad needs of the health care consumer.
Through the GCRC, CHMC researchers are able to apply for the following Behavioral Core services:
- Execution of various behavioral measurement techniques/instruments
- Consultation in design of research with behavioral dimensions
- Preparation of behavioral sections of grant applications
- Consultation on data management and analytic strategies suitable for behavioral data
- Assistance in preparation of manuscripts describing behavioral outcomes
The types of techniques/instruments that can be administered through the Behavioral Core include:
- Neuropsychological tests
- Developmental tests
- Intellectual tests
- Behavioral inventories
- Quality of Life scales
- Psychiatric structured interviews
- Behavioral observation/coding procedures
Investigators interested in applying for GCRC Behavioral Core services are invited to contact the Core Director, M. Douglas Ris, PhD (513-636-8757, douglas.ris@cchmc.org.)
