Introduction to research methods

What is the reasons for potentially faulty interpretation of data?

• Desire fro easy answers and quick fixes

• Exposure to biased sample

• Exaggerating a small bit of truth

• Inferring causation from correlation

What is the term to describe if questions measure what they claim to measure?

Validity

What is the term to describe if data is repeatable/consistent?

Reliability

What is the term to describe if findings could be leaning to a certain perspective?

Bias

What is the term to describe a solid foundation in statistical reasoning is essential for healthcare and health science professionals using evidence-based practice?

Evidence based medicine

What can a failure to use statistics in literature result in?

Misapplication of evidence in healthcare interventions

What can be research issues with methadone prescribing?

• Optimal dosing strategies - how to balance efficacy and safety, individual variations in metabolism, tolerance

• Diversion and misuse - risks of being diverted for non-prescribed use

• Retention and adherence - patient retention, impact of psychosocial support on adherence

What are experiments e.g., RCTs, controlled measurements e.g., cohort study, surveys such as questionnaires with closed questions and databases examples of for research methods?

Quantitative methods

What characteristics do quantitative methods have?

Numerical data, measurable outcomes, need to understand data analysis

What are interviews with open-ended questions, focus group discussions and ethnography examples as for research methods?

Qualitative methods

What properties do qualitative research methods have?

Descriptive data, explores experiences, focuses on theory, context and interpretations

What is the term to describe the in-depth study of people and cultures through direct observation?

Ethnography

What are RCTs designed to look at?

Whether or not an intervention is effective

What research method is better at answering questions directly and isn’t concerned with effectiveness?

Qualitative - just says if it answers them and not how well

What does RCT stand for?

Randomised control trial

Why may RCTs be unsuitable?

Unethical to randomise patients to an intervention which could be harmful

What are factors considering how the RCTs results are applicable outside the RCTs?

Characteristics of patients, study procedures, outcome measures

What is the main objective of randomised controlled trials?

Investigate the efficacy and safety of something

What are some steps in RCTs?

Objectives, methods, results

What is the type of study which follows a group of people over time to analyse with/out the drug?

Cohort studies

What is the type of study which compares a group of individuals with the condition/drug/adverse events with a group who didn’t have this outcome?

Case-control

What is the type of study which analyses data at a population level rather than individual?

Ecological

What is the name for the type of study where neither researcher or patient knows if patient has placebo/real drug, which can reduce bias?

Double-blind

What is the name of the study which occurs at 2 or more institutions simultaneously following a single, shared protocol?

Multicentre