A comprehensive introduction to behavioral and social science research methods in the health sciences
Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences is designed to develop and facilitate the ability to conduct research and understand the practical value of designing, conducting, interpreting, and reporting behavioral and social science research findings in the health science and medical fields. The book provides complete coverage of the process behind these research methods, including information-gathering, decision formation, and results presentation.
Examining the application of behavioral and social science research methodologies within the health sciences, the book focuses on implementing and developing relevant research questions, collecting and managing data, and communicating various research perspectives. An essential book for readers looking to possess an understanding of all aspects of conducting research in the health science field, Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences features:
- Various research designs that are appropriate for use in the health sciences, including single-participant, multi-group, longitudinal, correlational, and experimental designs
- Step-by-step coverage of single-factor and multifactor studies as well as single-subject and nonexperimental methods
- Accessible chapter explanations, real-world examples, and numerous illustrations throughout
- Guidance regarding how to write about research within the formatting styles of the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association
The book is an excellent educational resource for healthcare and health service practitioners and researchers who are interested in conducting and understanding behavioral and social science research done within the health sciences arena. The book is also a useful resource for students taking courses in the fields of medicine, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and the health sciences.
Table of Contents
Preface ix
Part One Overview of the Research Process
1 Behavioral and Social Research in the Health Sciences 3
2 Ethics and Research 25
3 The Foundations of Research 45
4 An Overview of Empirical Methods 79
Part Two Nuts and Bolts of Research
5 Writing the Research Report 113
6 Reviewing the Literature 139
7 Sampling 161
8 Assessments, Surveys, and Objective Measurement 191
9 A Model for Research Design 225
Part Three Common Research Designs
10 Correlational Research 255
11 Between-Subjects Designs 285
12 Single-Variable Between-Subjects Research 315
13 Between-Subjects Factorial Designs 345
14 Correlated-Groups Designs 367
Part Four Special Research Designs
15 Single-Participant Experiments, Longitudinal Studies, and Quasi-Experimental Designs 393
16 Research with Categorical Data 415
17 Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research 439
Appendix A Reviewing the Statistics behind the Research 461
Appendix B Statistical Tables 479
Index 521
