Introduction to Research in Health Sciences

by Polgar & Thomas

• ISBN13: 9780443062650
• ISBN10: 044306265X
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-07-25
• Publisher: Churchill Livingstone

Summary

This book is essential reading for research in any of the health science disciplines. This new edition covers quantitative and qualitative research methodology in simple language with a straightforward approach. Each chapter contains a self-assessment test, discussion, and questions and answers so readers can assess their progress. Thistext ensures that students can understand and utilize the latest advances in their area of clinical practice. The book combines a thorough grounding in practical research skills with a down-to-earth approach.

Author Biography

Shane A. Thomas is Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Visiting Principal Research Fellow, School of Social Work, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Senior Fellow, School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
SECTION 1 The scientific method	1	(20)
The scientific method and health research	3	(18)
Discussion, questions and answers	17	(4)
SECTION 2 Research planning	21	(36)
Research planning	23	(12)
Sampling methods and external validity	35	(10)
Causal research and internal validity	45	(12)
Discussion, questions and answers	53	(4)
SECTION 3 Research designs	57	(48)
Experimental designs	59	(10)
Surveys and quasi-experimental designs	69	(12)
Single subject (n = 1) designs	81	(10)
Qualitative field research	91	(14)
Discussion, questions and answers	101	(4)
SECTION 4 Data collection	105	(46)
Questionnaire design	107	(8)
Interview techniques and the analysis of interview data	115	(10)
Observation	125	(10)
Measurement and instrumentation	135	(16)
Discussion, questions and answers	147	(4)
SECTION 5 Descriptive statistics	151	(56)
Organization and presentation of data	153	(14)
Measures of central tendency and dispersion	167	(12)
Standard scores and the normal curve	179	(12)
Correlation	191	(16)
Discussion, questions and answers	203	(4)
SECTION 6 Inferential statistics	207	(60)
Probability and sampling distributions	209	(16)
Hypotheses testing	225	(16)
Selection and use of statistical tests	241	(14)
Interpretation of the evidence	255	(12)
Discussion, questions and answers	263	(4)
SECTION 7 Dissemination and critical evaluation of research	267	(24)
Presentation of health science research	269	(8)
Critical evaluation of published research	277	(14)
Discussion, questions and answers	268	(23)
SECTION 8	291	(2)
Glossary of research terms	293	(8)
References and further reading	301	(2)
Answers to questions	303	(6)
Appendices	309	(8)
Index	317