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Chapter 3. Research

Research involves a controlled, systematic approach to obtain an answer to a question.1 A number of research types are recognized:

  • Experimental research: involves the manipulation of a variable and then measuring the effects of this manipulation.1 A variable is a measurement of phenomena that can assume more than one value or more than one category (see later).1
  • Nonexperimental research: does not manipulate the environment but may describe the relationship between different variables, obtain information about opinions or policies, or describe current practice.1
  • Basic research: generally thought of as laboratory-based research in which the researcher has control over nearly all aspects of the environment and subjects.1
  • Clinical or applied research: refers to research that seeks to solve practical problems by finding solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop innovative technologies.

Statistics is a branch of applied mathematics concerned with finding patterns in data and inferring connections between events.2 A number of statistical terms and definitions are outlined in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1. Statistical Terms and Definitions
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Table 3-1. Statistical Terms and Definitions
TERMDEFINITION

Abstract

A summary of the paper, usually between 100 and 500 words, that describes the most important aspects of the study, including:

  • The problem investigated
  • The subjects and instruments involved
  • The design and procedures
  • The major findings/conclusions

Conclusion

The conclusion responds to the original research question and hypothesis to describe what the study showed. It should bring coherence to the study.

Empirical methods

Research methods and data-gathering techniques supported by measurable evidence, not opinion or speculation.

Parameter

Numerical measurements describing some characteristic of the population.

Peer review

A process by which research studies are examined by an independent panel of researchers for review. The purpose of such a process is to open the study to examination, criticism, review, and replication by peer investigators and ultimately incorporate the new knowledge into the field.

Population

The population of a study refers to the group of people represented in a study. For example, if a researcher took a nationally representative sample of 1500 fourth-grade students, the sample is the 1500 fourth-grade students, but the population of the study would be fourth graders, in general.

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Study Pearl

Much of the initial groundwork in statistics concerns making an accurate guess, or hypothesis.

Populations and Samples

A population consists of all subjects (human or otherwise) that are being studied.

  • Prevalence: the proportion of a population who has a particular disorder or condition at a specific point in time.
  • Incidence: a rate of development of new cases of a disorder in a particular at-risk population over a given period of time.
  • Parameter: a characteristic or measure obtained by using all the data values from a specific population.

A sample is ...

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