Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences, 6th Edition

This popular textbook provides a concise, but comprehensive, overview of health research as an integrated, problem-solving process. It bridges the gap between health research methods and evidence-based clinical practice, making it an essential tool for students embarking on research. Practitioners also benefit from guidance on interpreting the ever-expanding published research in clinical and scientific journals, to ensure their practice is up to date and evidence-based and to help patients understand information obtained online.

• Uses simple language and demystifies research jargon
• Covers both quantitative and qualitative research methodology, taking a very practical approach
• Gives examples directly related to the health sciences.
• Each chapter contains a self-assessment test to that the reader can sure they know all the important points.
• Provides an extensive glossary for better understanding of the language of research.

Online interactive self-assessment tests, including:

• Multiple choice questions
• True or false questions
• Crosswords … and more.

Incl. research planning/data collection/ descriptive statistics/dissemination & critical evaluation.

Editorial Reviews
Booknews
Assuming no previous knowledge of statistics, introduces quantitative research technique, and shows how to plan a research project from formulation of a question through data collection, presentation, and evaluation. New to this third edition are research-related discussions on topics such as theory formation and ethics, and general introductions for sections on the scientific method, research designs, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics. Includes self quizzes, questions and answers, and a glossary. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
From the Publisher
As a second year student with a research proposal looming, this book will prove extremely useful. The chapters are laid out in a logical and easy to follow way, and explanations of key areas are easily understandable.
The self assessment sections allow the student to track their progress and check their understanding. Overall, I would recommend this book to any student, like myself, who finds the thought of research methods frightening!!!!

- Laura Culpan, Physiotherapy Student, University of Bradford, UK.

As a first year Physio student I’ve not yet embarked on a research project. I have, however, found this book extremely useful to assist in the critical evaluation of research papers as it discusses all aspects from sampling to statistical analysis, including advantages and disadvantages of different methods.

I have also found the section on statistics extremely useful as I was finding it difficult understanding results and their statistical significance in papers as it’s not something I’ve previously been taught.

I feel that this book will be invaluable to me throughout and after my degree when I will be involved at research projects at various levels.

- Mayuri Butchart, Physiotherapy Student, King’s College London, UK.

Table of Contents
Polgar & Thomas: Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences 6E

Section 1: The scientific method.

1 - Methods and health research

Section 2: Research planning.

2 - Research planning.

3 - Sampling methods and external validity.

Section 3: Research designs.

4 - Experimental designs and intervention studies.

5 - Surveys and quasi-experimental designs.

6 - Single case (n=1) designs.

7- Qualitative research. Discussion, questions and answers.

Section 4: Data collection.

8 - Questionnaire design.

9 - Interview techniques and the analysis of interview data.

10 - Observation.

11 - Measurement. Discussion, questions and answers.

Section 5: Descriptive statistics.

12 - Organisation and presentation of data.

13 - Measures of central tendency and variability.

14 - Standard scores and normal curve.

15 - Correlation. Discussion, questions and answers.

Section 6: Inferential statistics.

16 - Probability and sampling distributions.

17 - Selection and use of statistical tests.

18 - The interpretation of research evidence. Discussion, questions and answers.

Section 7: Dissemination and critical evaluation of research.

19 - Qualitative data analysis.

20 - Presentation of health science research.

21 - Critical evaluation of published research.

22 - Syntheses of research evidence.

23 - Transitional research

24 - Safe and effective intervention criteria

Glossary.

References and further reading.

Answers to questions.

Appendices