All healthcare students need to understand research methods to be able to understand research articles and to actively engage in research where necessary. Most clinical programs include research training within their courses, and many students are required to undertake an assessed research project - both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Breaking down the jargon barriers of research methods, and designed for those new to the world of research, Demystifying Research is a straightforward and highly accessible guide to fundamental research methods, approaches, and skills.
This student-friendly resource describes quantitative and qualitative research approaches, mixed research methods, research ethics and governance, research skills and more. Step-by-step, students learn to appraise research in scholarly articles, design a project, and conduct research in the lab, in clinical practice, and other real-life situations. Technical jargon and classic research are explained in plain English, while relevant theory is illustrated through relatable examples of research in practice. Designed to make learning about research easy, this valuable guide: - Explains basic research methods in a direct and engaging style - Breaks research methods down into manageable, easy-to-digest pieces - Defines what research is, and provides an overview of its methods and methodologies - Covers all key areas of research, including observational and experimental approaches, and clinical trials - Includes real-life examples of successful student research projects - Features a companion website containing lecture slides available to download in PowerPoint
Demystifying Research is a must-have for undergraduate and postgraduate medical, nursing, other healthcare and social sciences students, as well as professionals looking to refresh their knowledge.
Table of Contents
Preface vi
About the Companion Website viii
1 Introduction: What is ‘Research’? 1
2 Experimental Quantitative Approaches: Laboratory Experiments 14
3 Experimental Quantitative Approaches: Real- Life (Field) Experiments 27
4 Experimental Quantitative Approaches: Non- randomised Clinical Trials 39
5 Experimental Quantitative Approaches: Randomised Control Trials 48
6 Observational Quantitative Approaches: Cohort Studies 66
7 Observational Quantitative Approaches: Case- Control Studies 80
8 Observational Quantitative Approaches: Cross- Sectional Studies (Surveys) 87
9 Observational Quantitative Approaches: Cross- Sectional Studies - Other Types of Study 100
10 Qualitative Ethnographic Approaches: Using Participant Observation 108
11 Qualitative Ethnographic Approaches: Using Interviews and Focus Groups 124
12 Qualitative Ethnographic Approaches: Autoethnography 144
13 Qualitative Approaches: Phenomenology 157
14 Qualitative Approaches: Grounded Theory 175
15 Mixed Methods: Case Study Methods 186
16 Mixed Methods: Policy Analysis 200
17 Mixed Methods: Multi- Stage Studies 216
18 Research Ethics and Governance: The Need for Regulation 223
19 Research Ethics and Governance: Regulations, Approvals, and Permissions 237
Appendices 258
Appendix A: Research Skills Obtaining Informed Consent 258
Appendix B: Research Skills Searching the Literature 268
Appendix C: Research Skills Laboratory Safety 276
Appendix D: Research Skills Interviewing 281
Appendix E: Research Skills Focus Groups 294
Appendix F: Research Skills Analysing Qualitative Data 303
Appendix G: Research Skills Writing Research Reports 314
Postscript 320
Index 321
