Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences

A comprehensive introduction to behavioral and social science research methods in the health sciences Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences is designed to develop and facilitate the ability to conduct research and understand the practical value of designing, conducting, interpreting, and reporting behavioral and social science research findings in the health science and medical fields. The book provides complete coverage of the process behind these research methods, including information-gathering, decision formation, and results presentation. Examining the application of behavioral and social science research methodologies within the health sciences, the book focuses on implementing and developing relevant research questions, collecting and managing data, and communicating various research perspectives. An essential book for readers looking to possess an understanding of all aspects of conducting research in the health science field, Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences features: Various research designs that are appropriate for use in the health sciences, including single-participant, multi-group, longitudinal, correlational, and experimental designs Step-by-step coverage of single-factor and multifactor studies as well as single-subject and nonexperimental methods Accessible chapter explanations, real-world examples, and numerous illustrations throughout Guidance regarding how to write about research within the formatting styles of the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association The book is an excellent educational resource for healthcare and health service practitioners and researchers who are interested in conducting and understanding behavioral and social science research done within the health sciences arena. The book is also a useful resource for students taking courses in the fields of medicine, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and the health sciences.

Preface ix Part One Overview of the Research Process 1 Behavioral and Social Research in the Health Sciences 3 2 Ethics and Research 25 3 The Foundations of Research 45 4 An Overview of Empirical Methods 79 Part Two Nuts and Bolts of Research 5 Writing the Research Report 113 6 Reviewing the Literature 139 7 Sampling 161 8 Assessments, Surveys, and Objective Measurement 191 9 A Model for Research Design 225 Part Three Common Research Designs 10 Correlational Research 255 11 Between–Subjects Designs 285 12 Single–Variable Between–Subjects Research 315 13 Between–Subjects Factorial Designs 345 14 Correlated–Groups Designs 367 Part Four Special Research Designs 15 Single–Participant Experiments, Longitudinal Studies, and Quasi–Experimental Designs 393 16 Research with Categorical Data 415 17 Qualitative and Mixed–Methods Research 439 Appendix A Reviewing the Statistics behind the Research 461 Appendix B Statistical Tables 479 Index 521

CHRISTOPHER J. L. CUNNINGHAM, PhD, is UC Foundation Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational and Occupational Health Psychology at the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga, where he is also Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Cunningham is also a coauthor of Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences and Understanding Business Research , both published by Wiley. BART L. WEATHINGTON, PhD, is UC Foundation Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he is also Coordinator of the Industrial-Organizational Psychology graduate program. Dr. Weathington is also a coauthor of Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences and Understanding Business Research , both published by Wiley. DAVID J. PITTENGER, PhD, is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Marshall University. Dr. Pittenger is also a coauthor of Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences and Understanding Business Research , both published by Wiley.