quantitative research methods comprehension list summary notes
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Definition of research
A systematic investigation into study of materials and sources to establish facts and
reach new conclusions
♦ What are the key characteristics of research?
The attempt to derive generalize new knowledge including studies that aim to
generate hypothesis as well as studies that aim to test them. Randomization on
addresses clearly defined questions, aims and objectives. Treatments, samples or
investigations.
Attempt to generalize new knowledge including studies aiming to generate
(qual. + quant.)
The primary aim of research is to derive generalizable new knowledge whereas
the aim of audit + service evaluation project is to measure standard of care.
Research is to find out what you should be doing, audit is to find out if you are
doing planned activity and assess whether it is working.
What are the key characteristics of audit?
A process designed and conducted to produce information to inform delivery of best
care. Designed to answer the question 'does this service reach a predetermined
standard' measures against a standard. No randomization.
What are the key characteristics of service evaluation?
A process designed and conducted solely to define or judge current care. Designed to
answer the question 'what standard does this achieve'. Measures current service
without reference to a standard. No randomization.
Why do we conduct research within healthcare? And what role does it play?
Keeps the individual up to date for their CPD. To enhance the profession and exploring
what is best healthcare practice. Being able to understand and criticize published
journals and apply the findings. Justification of choices made within practice based on
evidence.
❖ Definition of evidence-based practice?
The conscientious explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions
about the care of individual clinical experience with the best available external evidence
from systematic reviews. Making appropriate and safe clinical decisions based on /
informed by sound evidence.
What is the process of research?
, → Define the problem
→ determine current knowledge
→ define research question and formulate hypothesis
→ define a population and the sample
→ establish a method of measurement
→ gather data
→ analyze and interpret results
→ draw conclusions
What is the definition of quantitative research?
Seeking to establish relationship between the quantifiable variables being studied. Aims
to be objective, size, amount, scales, frequency, data, statistics.
It is associated with experiments and statistics; it collects numbers and data that can be
turned into numbers and data that can be turned into numbers. It is based on an
empirical and scientific tradition. Studies quantifiable variables. Relationships between
variables.
What are the key characteristics of quantitative research?
♦ Numerical,
♦ measurable,
♦ testing prior theory,
♦ testing of ideas hypothesis
❑ using numerical measures. It studies cause and effect, differences and
magnitudes. Differences between groups of people or different practices. Aims
to be objective.
What is the definition of qualitative research?
Generation of new ideas and theories based on non-numerical data, without
preconceptions. Exploring the measures that people attach to their experiences of the
world. (Focus groups, interviews, semi-structured questionnaires)
- opinions
- experiences
- watching people
- joining in
- reading what they've written
-often done in their natural setting
- embark with an open mind
What are the key characteristics of mixed methods research and definition?
, Quant. + Qual. can be sat side by side or be intricately linked. Qual research may be
conducted first to generate a question that can be answered quantitatively. Qual
research may be conducted secondly to validate and explore more deeply. May also be
conducted separately.
The key is the correct methods are chosen based on what question needs to be
answered and explored. To help, explore a more all round picture on a topic.
How might we logically structure an information gathering strategy if exploring a topic for the
first time?
Start with sources where you feel comfortable and then progress to greater breadth and
depth.
- recent textbooks
- broad / non-scientific internet search
- use of databases to find
- discussion paper / expert opinon
- narrative / scholar review - systematic review
-Primary (empirical) research
What are the key features of QUANT research
❖ Key features of quantitative research:
❖ Tests a hypothesis or hypotheses
❖ Is based on number-based experiments or observations
❖ Uses methodology founded on recording and analysing data
❖ Studies quantifiable variables
❖ Seeks to establish relationships between variables
❖ Uses statistical and mathematical techniques
What can quantitative data demonstrate?
➢ Links between "cause and effect" (causality)
➢ Differences between groups of people, or different practices
➢ Effectiveness of equipment, practices, treatments and diagnostic tests
➢ Changes over time
➢ Situations at a given point in time
Two main categories of quantitative data?
Observational (non-experimental)
experimental
Describe experimental data and the aims
, Experimental - controlling a set of conditions and modifying some variables
(independent variables) to test their outcome on others (dependent variables); needs to
be carried out in a controlled manner and involves some type of intervention (direct
action) by the researcher
Often designed to assess for a cause-effect relationship
Experimental studies are often designed to introduce the cause (e.g., intervention) and
see what effect it has (the change/outcome)
e.g., introducing a stopping smoking intervention to see if it affected rates of lung
cancer
Experimental studies aim to control as many different facets of the research as possible
so that any outcomes from an intervention can be genuinely linked to it alone and are
not just due to chance
Key features of experimental/quasi-experimental studies:
They can answer the question of cause and effect
The manipulation of the intervention must precede the change in outcome variable
The changes to the outcome variable must be explained by the effect of the
intervention and not any other factor(s)
Changes in outcome variable are generally ones of magnitude - quantitative/number
data is therefore gathered
Describe non-experimental data / observational
Non-experimental/Observational - looking at a set of conditions without modifying or
controlling them; can use, for example, questionnaires, sampling, surveys
Non-experimental/observational studies are designed to look at a phenomena (an effect) and
then trying to determine what caused it
e.g. look at rates of lung cancer to see if there are any factors (such as smoking) that affected it
If done well, experimental studies are regarded highly because of their rigour and reliability
Quasi-experimental studies are designed such that less is controlled by the researcher - used
when it is not ethically or practically possible to control all elements
Different strengths of conclusions can be drawn from the results than in experimental studies
but they can be praised for their more real world nature
Studies in which no attempt is made to manipulate variables, to randomise participants
between an experimental and control group or to carry out an intervention - the researchers
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