Chapter 1: What is Research?

One component is integral to all others, and good research becomes almost _______

cyclical

Whether basic or applied research is being conducted, one type of research must _______ on the other for the proper research process to take place.

depend

A theory can describe a tentative ____________ of some phenomenon.

explanation

Theories are verified through evidence obtained by either __________ or ______________

observation or experimentation.

Applied (Field) Research: aims to do what?

Aims to *solve practical problems*, although it uses the same characteristics as basic research.

Human beings possess the ability to think rationally and logically, which in turn leads to ________

curiosity.

Theories vs. Models

*Theories* -Provide an understanding of a phenomenon and offer prediction and control. -Theories also can provide a way for conceptualizing the world. *Models* -Provide perhaps a better way of conceptualizing -Some models are replicas, others are symbolic -Provide us with a simplistic way of looking at complex problems or phenomena.

Applied (Field) Research: How are theoritical concepts tested?

-In *real situations* -The real world becomes the laboratory for applied health research.

What is research? (3 definitions)

1 : careful or diligent search 2 : studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws 3 : the collecting of information about a particular subject

What are the 7 research methodologies utilized by health science investigators?

1) *Experimental Research:* The Investigator controls and manipulates one or more of the variables. 2) *Survey (interview and observational):* Descriptive methodologies in which the results reveal what is happening in a particular occurrence. 3) *Evaluation Research:* A method of assessing a process or program in a specific situation. 4) *Qualitative Research:* data that is more descriptive. 5) *Clinical Trials:* a subset of experimental design to test the efficacy of an intervention, e.g., RCTs 6. *Comparative and Effectiveness Research (CER):* based on evidence-based medicine or practice. It is to implement the best treatment options 7. *Analytical Epidemiology:* used to address causation. It is different from descriptive epidemiology which is to describe trends and disease patterns

What are the two main types of research?

1) Basic (Laboratory) 2) Applied (Field)

What are the 3 broad categories of ways of knowing?

1) Experience 2) Reasoning 3) Research

What are the specific attitudes that scientists must acquire that enable them to think and act in a scientific manner? (4 things)

1) Scientists are essentially *doubters*, who maintain a highly skeptical attitude toward the data of science. 2) Scientists are *objective and impartial*. 3) Scientists deal with *facts*, not values. 4) Scientists are not satisfied with isolated facts but seek to *integrate and systemize* their findings.

What are the stages of the research process? (8 stages)

1) Selecting a *Problem* 2) Formulating *Hypotheses* and Research Questions 3) Reviewing the *Literature* 4) Constructing a *Research Design* 5) Selecting *tools* or Constructing and Identifying Measurement Devices 6) *Analysis* of the Data 7) Generating *Conclusions* 8) Writing the *Report* of Research

With quantitative and qualitative research, which approach is ideal?

A mixed approach

Basic (Laboratory) Research: aims to expand what?

Aims to expand the knowledge base by formulating, evaluating, or expanding a theory.

What is the ultimate goal of scientific inquiry?

To formulate theories

Applied (Field) Research: example?

Most research in the *health sciences* is considered applied research.

Basic (Laboratory) Research: what is its primary purpose?

Primary purpose is *discovering knowledge* for the sake of knowledge alone.

Basic (Laboratory) Research: example?

Research in the medical sciences

To become familiar with the method of scientific inquiry, future researchers should be attuned to several characteristics of the scientific approach (or research process):

Research: -Is directed toward the *solution* of a problem -Emphasizes the development of *generalizations*, principles, or theories that will be helpful in predicting future occurrences. -Is based upon observable experience or *empirical evidence.* -Demands *accurate observation* and description. -Involves gathering new data from *primary* or firsthand sources or using *existing data* for a new purpose. -Activity is often characterized by *carefully designed procedures*, always applying rigorous analysis. -Requires *expertise.* -Strives to be *objective and logical*, applying every possible test to validate the procedures employed, the data collected, and the conclusions revealed. -Involves the *quest for answers( to unsolved problems. -Is characterized by *patient and unhurried* activity. -Is *carefully recorded* and reported -Sometimes requires *courage.*

What do theories provide?

Theories provide a way to conceptualize, organize, integrate, and classify the facts that scientists accumulate.

What question does research (or the process) answer?

WHY? -leads researchers to conduct studies to find answers to questions -Research and the application of the scientific method will enable us to answer such questions