Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, 5th Edition #16578

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Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, 5th Edition

By Stephen Polgar, BSc(Hons), MSc and Shane A. Thomas, DipPubPol, PhD, MAPS

Churchill Livingstone
ISBN: 978-0-443-07429-5

Description

The advancement of knowledge and practice in health care depends on the education of individuals who are competent in undertaking health research and evaluations. Research is fundamental to the health sciences. Technological advances and an increasing demand to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of health services have ensured that research is a high priority for the health care industry. Consistent with 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. In addition, this new edition:

# 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
# contains updated figures

Polgar and Thomas's `Introduction To Research Methods In The Health Sciences' is an excellent book for any student within health science who needs to complete a dissertation/ final year project or even those who desire to understand more about research. The layout takes the reader logically through the stages of research: Planning, design, Data collection and statistics directed by a clear contents, index and glossary. Chapters are nicely broken down into specific topics so it is easier to read and find exactly what you are looking for. Use of colour and text add to the ease of use. The summaries at the end of each chapter are great if you want to get a feel for an area of research without reading the entire chapter. And the self assessment section at the end of each chapter is a great way to ensure you have understood the content and can apply it. Use of tables and graphs break down the text, again making for ease of use and are also a tool for aiding understanding of the theories/ practicalities of research and how they are applied. There is also an excellent chapter on critical evaluation of research which is especially useful when considering evidenced based practice and the true value of research.


Key Features

* 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

New to this Edition

* 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.
Section 1: The scientific method. Chapter 1 - Methods and health research. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 2: Research planning. Chapter 2 - Research planning. Chapter 3 - Sampling methods and external validity. Chapter 4 - Causal research and internal validity. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 3: Research designs. Chapter 5 - Experimental designs and intervention studies. Chapter 6 - Surveys and quasi-experimental designs. Chapter 7 - Single case (n=1) designs. Chapter 8 - Qualitative research. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 4: Data collection. Chapter 9 - Questionnaire design. Chapter 10 - Interview techniques and the analysis of interview data. Chapter 11 - Observation. Chapter 12 - Measurement. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 5: Descriptive statistics. Chapter 13 - Organisation and presentation of data. Chapter 14 - Measures of central tendency and variability. Chapter 15 - Standard scores and normal curve. Chapter 16 - Correlation. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 6: Inferential statistics. Chapter 17 - Probability and sampling distributions. Chapter 18 - Hypotheses testing. Chapter 19 - Selection and use of statistical tests. Chapter 20 - The interpretation of research evidence. Discussion, questions and answers.
Section 7: Dissemination and critical evaluation of research. Chapter 21 - Qualitative data analysis. Chapter 22 - Presentation of health science research. Chapter 23 - Critical evaluation of published research. Chapter 24 - Syntheses of research evidence.
Glossary. References and further reading. Answers to questions. Appendices. Index.

344 pages 69 ills
Trim size 189 X 246 mm
Copyright 2008
Softcover

Author Information

By Stephen Polgar, BSc(Hons), MSc, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; and Shane A. Thomas, DipPubPol, PhD, MAPS, Professor and Director of Primary Care Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University, Melbourne, Australia