A comprehensive introduction to behavioral and social science research methods in the health sciences

Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciencesis 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 Sciencesfeatures:

Various research designs that are appropriate for use in the health sciences, including single-participant, multi-group, longitudinal, correlational, and experimental designsStep-by-step coverage of single-factor and multifactor studies as well as single-subject and nonexperimental methodsAccessible chapter explanations, real-world examples, and numerous illustrations throughoutGuidance 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.

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 ofResearch Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences andUnderstanding 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 ofResearch Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences andUnderstanding 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 ofResearch Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences andUnderstanding Business Research, both published by Wiley.

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