Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences

by Polgar, Stephen

• ISBN13: 9780443074295
• ISBN10: 0443074291
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-07
• Publisher: Elsevier Science Health Science div

Summary

Like the previous versions, the fifth edition of An Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences has two overall aims. 1) To introduce the fundamental principles of research methodology and explain how these principles are applied for conducting research in the health sciences. 2) To demonstrate how evidence produced through research is applied to solving problems in everday health care. This book is written in an accessible style. It maintains the traditions of the previous editions, with examples, questions, feedback sections, and an extensive glossary. Uses simple language and demystifies the jargon Provides built-in feedback for readers to assess their own progress Gives examples relating directly to the health sciences Provides an extensive glossary for better understanding of the language of research Addresses qualitative as well as quantitative research issues Includes a chapter focussing on the use of qualitative methods in health research Includes a chapter for discussing systematic reviews and meta-analyses Contains more revision questions Increased emphasis throughout on evidence based concepts More and updated discussion of qualitative research methods New section on basic epidemiological concepts as a research approach More discussion of analysis and use of administrative and secondary data sets as research resources Complete rewrite of the chapter on causal research Stronger links between the sections on different stages of research

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
The Scientific Method
Methods and Health Research	p. 3
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 15
Research Planning
Research Planning	p. 21
Sampling Methods and External Validity	p. 31
Causal Research and Internal Validity	p. 43
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 49
Research Designs
Experimental Designs and Intervention Studies	p. 55
Surveys and Quasi Experimental Designs	p. 65
Single Case (n = 1) Designs	p. 75
Qualitative Research	p. 83
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 93
Data Collection
Questionnaire Design	p. 9
Interview Techniques and the Analysis of Interview Data	p. 107
Observation	p. 115
Measurement	p. 125
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 93
Descriptive Statistics
Organization and Presentation of Data	p. 143
Measures of Central Tendency and Variability	p. 155
Standard Scores and the Normal Curve	p. 165
Correlation	p. 175
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 187
Inferential Statistics
Probability and Sampling Distributions	p. 193
Hypothesis Testing	p. 207
Selection and Use of Statistical Tests	p. 219
The Interpretation of Research Evidence	p. 231
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 239
Dissemination and Critical Evaluation of Research
Qualitative Data Analysis	p. 245
Presentation of Health Science Research	p. 225
Critical Evaluation of Published Research	p. 263
Synthesis of Research Evidence	p. 273
Discussion, Questions and Answers	p. 285
Glossary of Research Terms	p. 291
References and Further Reading	p. 301
Answers to Questions	p. 305
Appendices	p. 317
Index	p. 327
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