Essentials of Research Methodology and Biostatistics --A Comprehensive Guide for Health Care Professionals is a precisely written textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, clinical psychology and other allied health care profession students. The book is an excellent attempt towards introducing the students and faculty members to the various research methodologies adopted in the field of health sciences to record health-related data.
Easy to follow: An applied, user-friendly textbook with self-explanatory simple language and presentation for the students.
An example-oriented book: Plenty of examples to equip the students to prepare for exams as well as independently conduct their research activities.
Illustrative presentation: Diagrammatic and tabular presentation of content to facilitate quick review and recall of important concepts.
Systematic and logical organization: Content organized in systematic and logical manner to facilitate better understanding.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysis: Adequate coverage of quantitative as well as qualitative research process, methodology and analysis.
Authentic content: Content reviewed, authenticated by a panel of renowned faculty members/experts.
Unique content: Several unique topics such as sample size calculation, uses of different parametric and nonparametric statistical tests, methods, qualitative research process, and analysis included, with practical examples from Indian scenario, which are rarely found in other research methodology books.
Enormous knowledge in a nutshell: In-depth coverage of all aspects of research methodology and biostatistics in a concise manner.
Review questions: About 150 end-of-chapter MCQs, a useful resource for the readers to review their preparation for the university exams and also to prepare for qualifying entrance exams for postgraduate and doctoral courses.

lgrsnf/15189211.pdf

Research Methodology and Biostatistics Application - E-book

Suresh K. Sharma

Raj Kumar

Elsevier India

PT, 2016

Front cover
Front matter
Research methodology and biostatistics
Copyright
Foreword
Preface
Reviewers
Table of Contents
1 Introduction to medical research
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Meaning of research and medical research
Research terminologies
Need and purposes of research in health sciences
Importance and significance of research in health sciences
Historical evolution of clinical research in India
Characteristics of a good research
Types of research
Quantitative and qualitative research (table 1.1)
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
Basic and applied research
Basic research
Applied research
Research process
Quantitative research process: Overview
Qualitative research process: Overview
Multiple choice questions
References
2 Research problem and hypothesis
Learning objectives
Key terms
Research problem
Meaning of research problem
Identification of a research problem
Sources of a research problem
Criteria for a good research problem
Formulation of a research problem
Example of a well-formulated research problem
Variables
Operational definitions
Essential characteristics of operational definitions
Writing research objectives
Meaning of research objectives
Characteristics of research objectives
Need of research objectives
Types of research objectives
Example of primary and secondary objectives
Method of stating objectives
Hypothesis
Meaning of hypothesis
Importance of hypothesis in research
Characteristics of a good hypothesis
Sources of hypotheses
Types of hypothesis
Formulating hypotheses
Delimitations
Uses of delimitations
Types of delimitations
Points to remember while writing delimitations
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
3 Literature review
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Meaning of literature review
Importance of a literature review
Purposes of a literature review
Types of literature reviews
Sources of a literature
Primary sources
Secondary sources
Steps of a literature review
Points to be considered for a literature review
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
4 Research designs
Learning objectives
Key terms
Meaning of research design
Selection of a research design
Factors affecting selection of research design
Validity of a research design
Internal validity
External validity
Types of research designs
Experimental research designs
True experimental designs
Essential characteristics
Intervention or manipulation of independent variable
Control
Randomization
Methods of randomization
Symbolic presentations
Few types of true experimental designs
Post-test-only control design
Pretest–post-test-only design
Solomon four-group design
Factorial design
Randomized block design
Crossover design
Latin square design
Advantages and disadvantages of true experimental design
Advantages
Disadvantages
Quasi-experimental research design
Main characteristics
Types of quasi-experimental designs
Nonrandomized control group design
Time-series design (fig. 4.9)
Advantages and disadvantages of quasi-experimental design
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pre-experimental research design
Types of pre-experimental research design
Advantages and disadvantages of pre-experimental design
Advantages
Disadvantages
Observational research design
Need for observational research design
Types of observational research designs
Descriptive research designs
Main features
Types of descriptive research design
Case report
Case series
Cross-sectional design
Univariant cross-sectional design
Exploratory design
Comparative design
Case–control research design
Nested case–control design
Cohort research design
Prospective cohort design
Historical cohort/retrospective cohort design
Ambispective cohort design
Advantages and disadvantages of observational research design
Advantages
Disadvantages
Other miscellaneous research designs
Methodological studies
Meta-analysis
Steps in conducting a meta-analysis
Secondary data analysis
Outcome research
Evaluation studies
Operational research
Qualitative research designs
Importance of qualitative research designs
Characteristics of qualitative research design
Phases of qualitative research design
Main types of qualitative data collection
Types of qualitative research designs
Phenomenological research
Characteristics of the phenomenological approach
Types of phenomenological research
Ethnographic research
Characteristics of ethnographic research
Grounded theory
Characteristics of the grounded theory
Types of grounded theory
Historical research design
Characteristics of historical research design
Steps of historical research
First step: Data collection
Second step: Criticism of the data
Third step: Presentation of the facts
Areas of historical study
Methods and tools used in historical research
Action research
Data collection methods
Importance of action research in health sciences
Case study
Triangulation (mixed methods)
Multiple choice questions
References
5 Randomized controlled trials
Key terms
Learning objectives
Introduction
Meaning of randomized controlled trials
History of randomized controlled trials
Characteristics of randomized controlled trials
Randomization in randomized controlled trials
Criteria for randomization
Types of randomization
Types of randomized controlled trials
Use of placebos in randomized controlled trials
Difficulties in conducting randomized controlled trials
Advantages of randomized controlled trials
Disadvantages of randomized controlled trials
Multiple choice questions
References
6 Sampling and sample size determination
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Terminologies used in sampling
Purposes of sampling
Characteristics of a good sample
Sampling process
Factors influencing a sampling process
Nature of the researcher
Nature of the sample
Circumstances
Types of sampling techniques
Probability sampling techniques
Features of probability sampling
Types of probability sampling
I. Simple random sampling technique
II. Stratified random sampling
III. Systematic random sampling
IV. Cluster or multistage sampling
V. Sequential sampling
Nonprobability sampling
Features of nonprobability sampling
Uses of nonprobability sampling
Types of nonprobability sampling
I. Purposive sampling
II. Convenience sampling
III. Consecutive sampling
IV. Quota sampling
V. Snowball sampling
Sample size determination
Sample size in qualitative studies
Sample size in quantitative studies
Thumb rules for estimating sample size
Sample size determination using a table
Statistical determination of the sample size
Sample size determination for observational descriptive study
Finite population correction
Probability level
Variance
Confidence interval
Sample size estimation for experimental study/clinical trial
Sample size estimation for diagnostic studies
Sample size calculation using computer
Factors affecting sample size
Probability and sampling errors
Reasons for sampling errors
Types of sampling bias
Sample size and sampling errors
Minimizing sampling errors/bias
Problems of sampling
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
7 Measurements and methods of data collection
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Scales of measurements
Nominal-level measurement
Ordinal-level measurement
Interval-level measurement
Ratio-level measurement
Concept of data collection
Data sources
Methods and tools of data collection
Selection of methods of data collection
Criteria of evaluation/assessment of data collection methods
Questionnaire
Definitions of questionnaire
Types of questions
Open-format questions
Closed-format questions
Subtypes of closed-format questions
Guidelines for designing a good questionnaire
General points
Sequence of questions
Question construction (fig. 7.1)
Methods of questionnaire administration
Advantages of questionnaire
Disadvantages of questionnaire
Interview as a method of data collection
Definitions of interview
Characteristics of interview
Benefits of interview
Types of interviews
Structured interview (directive interview)
Merits
Demerits
Unstructured interview (nondirective interview)
Merits
Demerits
Semistructured interview
In-depth interview
Focused group interview
Merits
Demerits
Telephone interview
Merits
Demerits
Interviewing process
Preparation for the interview
Preinterview introduction
Developing rapport
Carrying the interview forward
Recording the interview
Closing the interview
Advantages of interview
Disadvantages of interview
Composite scales/attitude scales
Likert scale
Definitions of the likert scale
Uses of the likert scale
Characteristics of the likert scale
Scoring of the likert scale
Advantages of the likert scale
Disadvantages of the likert scale
Semantic differential scale
Definition of semantic differential scale
Usages of semantic differential scale
Designing a semantic differential scale
Advantages of the semantic differential scale
Disadvantages of the semantic differential scale
Visual analogous scale
Definitions of visual analogous scale
Uses of visual analogous scale
Advantages of visual analogous scale
Disadvantages of visual analogous scale
Observation as a method of data collection
Definitions of observation
Uses of the observation method
Types of observation
Planning for observation
Advantages of observation
Disadvantages of observation
Rating scale
Definitions of rating scale
Types of the rating scale
Characteristics of rating scale
Advantages of rating scale
Disadvantages of rating scale
Checklist
Definitions of checklist
Characteristics of checklists
Construction of checklists
Advantages of checklist
Disadvantages of checklist
Biophysiologic methods
Definition of biophysiologic methods
Purposes of biophysiologic methods
Types of biophysiologic methods
In vivo biophysiologic methods
In vitro biophysiologic methods
Advantages of biophysiologic methods
Disadvantages of biophysiologic methods
Projective technique
Definition of projective technique
Types of projective techniques
Association technique (word association technique)
Completion techniques
Construction techniques
Expressive technique
Ordering choice
Miscellaneous types
Advantages of projective technique
Disadvantages of projective technique
Q-sorts
Purposes of Q-sorts
Advantages of Q-sorts
Disadvantages of Q-sorts
Vignettes
Definitions of vignette
Uses of vignettes
Designing good vignettes
Advantages of vignettes
Disadvantages of vignettes
Validity of a research tool
Definitions of validity
Types of validity
Reliability of a research tool
Definitions of reliability
Measuring reliability
Statistical calculation (test–retest method)
Statistical calculation (split-half method)
Pilot study
Definitions of pilot study
Purposes of pilot study
Problems and issues of pilot study
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
8 Analysis of data
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Definitions of data analysis
Analysis of quantitative data
Parametric tests
Nonparametric tests
Comparing parametric versus nonparametric tests
Software for analysis of quantitative data
Analysis of qualitative data
Problems in qualitative data analysis
Qualitative data analysis process
Steps of qualitative data analysis
Establishing the validity of qualitative data
Software for analysis of qualitative data
Multiple choice questions
References
9 Descriptive statistics
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Meaning of statistics and biostatistics
Uses and applications of statistics/biostatistics
Uses
Applications
Terms related to biostatistics
Classification of statistics
Frequency distribution
Tables
Graphical presentation of data
Measures of central tendency
Definitions of measure of central tendency
Objectives of central value
Requisites of good averaging
Measures of central tendency
Arithmetic mean
Merits of arithmetic mean
Demerits of arithmetic mean
Median
Merits of median
Demerits of median
Mode
Merits of mode
Demerits of mode
Measures of dispersion
Range
Merits of range
Demerits of range
Standard deviation
Definition of standard deviation
Calculation of the sd from discrete data
Calculation of the sd from continuous frequency data
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
10 Measures of relationship and inferential statistics
Learning objectives
Key terms
Normal probability curve (Z score)
Properties of normal probability curve
Importance of the normal probability curve
Solution
Correlation coefficient
Types of correlation coefficient
Methods of computing the correlation
Karl pearson correlation coefficient
Solution
Spearman rank correlation coefficient
Scatter diagram method
Use of scatter diagram method
Steps to make a scatter diagram
Interpretation of the relationship
Linear relationship
Merits of scatter diagram
Demerits of scatter diagram
Product moment correlation
Assumptions for pearson product moment correlation
Steps of calculation of product moment correlation
Interpretation of product moment correlation
Merits
Demerits
Regression analysis
Variables
Purposes and uses of regression analysis
Types of regression analysis
Linear regression
Multiple regression analysis
Regression line
Regression/estimating/normal equations
Correlation coefficient
Inferential statistics
Basic terms related to inferential statistics
Type-I and type-II errors
Level of significance
Confidence interval
Degree of freedom
Tests of significance
Advantages of nonparametric tests
Disadvantages of nonparametric tests
Parametric tests
T-test
Types of t-tests
Steps of application of unpaired t-test
Example of an unpaired t-test
Solution.
Example of a paired t-test
Solution: Steps for computation of paired t-test
Z-test
Analysis of variance (anova) test
Steps of application of anova
Solution
Nonparametric tests
Chi-Square test
Prerequisites of Chi-Square test
Calculation of Chi-Square value
Null hypothesis
Solution
Sign test
Steps in performing a sign test
Solution
Wilcoxon signed rank test
Steps in conducting the wilcoxon signed rank test
Solution
Mann–whitney U-test
Steps in conducting the mann–whitney U-test
Solution
Multiple choice questions
Answers of multiple choice questions
References
11 Writing proposals, reports and publications
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Criteria for communicating research
Methods of communicating research
Writing a research report
Characteristics of a good research report
Format of a research report
Steps in writing a report
Format of a thesis or dissertation
Preliminary pages
Main text
End matter
Writing references/bibliography
Differences between references and bibliography
Vancouver style of reference writing
Citation within the text
Indicating the relevant reference in the text
Citing more than one reference at a time
Important issues
Format of writing the reference
Books
Parts of a book
Journal articles
E-books
E-journals
Internet documents
Writing reference for non-book formats
Personal communications
American psychological association style of references
Books
Secondary resources
Dictionary
Dissertation or dissertation abstract
Magazines/periodicals
Scholarly journal
Newspaper articles, editorials, letters to the editor
Nonprint resources
Personal communication
Classroom lecture
Government documents
Electronic and online resources
Writing scientific articles
Critical review of research work
Purposes
Guidelines for writing a research critique
Guidelines for critiquing a research report
Critique of the study background
Research problem
Objectives
Operational definitions
Hypotheses (hypotheses are not used in qualitative studies and some descriptive studies)
Conceptual framework
Literature review
Critique of the methodological aspects
Research design
Sample and sampling technique
Data collection method and tools
Ethical considerations
Critique of the results, conclusion and miscellaneous aspects of the study
Analysis of data
Interpretation and discussion of data
Conclusion and recommendations
References
Developing and presenting a research proposal
Meaning of research proposal
Purposes of proposal
Developing the proposal
Format of research proposal
Title
About investigators
Institution(s) under whose umbrella the research project will be conducted
Background information and introduction
Rationale/justification for the research project
Objectives of the study
Formulating hypotheses
Methodology
Budgetary estimates
Justification of the budget
References
Uses of computer in medical research
Multiple choice questions
References
12 Ethical issues in biomedical research in india
Learning objectives
Key terms
Introduction
Principles of ethics in biomedical research
Principles of beneficence
Principle of justice
Principle of respect of human dignity
Ethics and regulation in biomedical research –international guidelines
Declaration of helsinki
The code of nuremberg
Declaration of geneva
The declaration of helsinki amendment 2008
Ethics and regulations in medical research – national guidelines
Patient information document and informed consent
Informed consent
Compensation for participation in research
Conflict of interest in research
General and specific principles for clinical evaluation of drugs/clinical trial guidelines in india
General principles
Specific principles
Drug trials
Approval
Special considerations
Phases of clinical trials
Phase I (human pharmacology)
Combined phase II and phase III
Phase II (therapeutic exploratory trials)
Phase III (therapeutic confirmatory trials)
Phase IV
Monitoring and reporting of adrs or aes
Institute ethical committee
Multiple choice questions
References
Appendices
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Appendix V
Appendix VI
Appendix VII
Appendix VIII
Appendix IX
Appendix X
Appendix XI
Method of sampling
Sample selection in rural areas
Sample selection in urban areas
Appendix XII
Appendix XIII
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Z

2025-01-28