Conducting Health Research: Principles, Process, and Methods

Conducting Health Research: Principles, Process, and Methods presents an integrated and practical introduction to the principles and strategies for planning, implementing, reporting, and assessing health sciences research. Comprehensive in its breadth and depth, with an accessible writing style, this text prepares students in public health and related fields to be adept researchers and consumers of health research. Through real-world examples and step-by-step guidance, Frederick J. Kviz provides students with the skills they need to: identify and evaluate research strengths and limitations as practitioners; to actually perform the various core aspects of research; and to choose among alternative methods when making decisions about health practice, policy, and future research needs.

Table of Contents:
Preface Companion Website About the Author Chapter 1 • The Nature and Process of Research Learning Objectives Overview The Nature of Research The Research Process Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 2 • Conducting Ethically Responsible Research Learning Objectives Overview Ethical Principles of Research With Human Subjects Federal Regulations Privacy Protection Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 3 • Variables and Relationships Learning Objectives Overview Types of Variables Attributes of Relationships Causal Concepts Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 4 • Research Design Diagrams and Components Learning Objectives Overview Research Design Diagrams Research Design Components Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 5 • Research Design Validity Learning Objectives Overview Observational Designs Causal Designs Internal Validity Threats and Strategies External Validity Threats and Strategies Balancing Internal and External Validity Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 6 • Research Designs Learning Objectives Overview Observational Designs Causal Designs Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 7 • Random Sampling and Assignment Learning Objectives Overview Random Sampling Random Assignment Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 8 • The Measurement Process Learning Objectives Overview From Concepts to Data Levels of Measuremen Measurement Theory Assessing Measurement Reliability Assessing Measurement Validity Item Response Theory Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 9 • Developing a Measurement Instrument Learning Objectives Overview The Instrument Development Process Using Existing Instruments Developing a Rating Scale Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 10 • Developing a Structured Questionnaire Learning Objectives Overview Key Concepts Questionnaire Development Process Questionnaire Design and Data Collection Mode Questionnaire Format Questionnaire Structure Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 11 • Writing Survey Questions Learning Objectives Overview Types of Questions Question Wording Question Structure Response Choices Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 12 • Survey Research Methods Learning Objectives Overview Basic Concepts Data Collection Modes Conducting a Survey Interviewing Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 13 • Qualitative Research Methods Learning Objectives Overview Basic Concepts Qualitative Interview Methods Observation Methods Sampling Mixed Methods Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 14 • Secondary Analysis and Existing Data Learning Objectives Overview Basic Concepts The Secondary Data Analysis Process Advantages, Limitations, and Ethics Secondary Data Sources Synthesizing Results From Multiple Studies Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Chapter 15 • The Analysis Process and Reporting Results Learning Objectives Overview The Data Analysis Process Overview of Quantitative Data Analysis Overview of Qualitative Data Analysis Reporting Research Results Key Points Review and Apply Study Further Glossary References Index