Introduction to Research- part 1 cont Sept 11, 2024

Introduction to Research in Nutrition (HNU 384)

Instructor: Tracy Everitt, RD PhD

Overview of Previous Classes

• Key Topics Discussed:

  • Definition of research and its importance

  • Significance of the research question and its role in guiding studies

  • Types of research questions

  • Differentiating between independent and dependent variables

  • Review of the Nutri-Advice Kiosk study article

  • Completion of Research Project Ideas chart to find personal interests

Application of Research Concepts

Study Abstract Overview

• Study Focus: Swedish mammography cohort

  • Participants: 33,747 women

  • Tools Used: Food frequency questionnaires to assess the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)

  • Duration of follow-up: 15 years

  • Outcomes Measured: Mortality due to cancer (digestive-tract and overall) and cardiovascular disease

  • Findings: Higher DII scores linked to increased all-cause and digestive cancer mortality (Shivappa et al., 2015)

Critical Analysis Questions

• Purpose of Research: Determine if it aimed to explore, describe, analyze, or predict

• Type of Study: Experimental or cohort? Justification for classification

• Interpretation of Findings: What does association between DII scores and mortality entail?

• Source for Abstract: PubMed Entry

Types of Research

Primary vs. Secondary Research

• Primary Research:

  • Original studies conducted by the researchers

  • Includes data collection, methodology explanation, results, and discussion on implications

• Secondary Research:

  • Summarizes and discusses primary research findings

  • Review articles provide critical analysis but lack new data generation

Literature Review Types

Various Types of Literature Reviews

• Critical/Narrative Review:

  • Evaluative discussion of literature quality

  • Incorporates analysis and innovative concepts

• Systematic Review:

  • Adheres to methodical search guidelines

  • Presents a clear search strategy

• Scoping Review:

  • Assesses the potential size/scope of research literature

  • Identifies research nature without necessarily appraising quality

• Meta-Analysis: Combines quantitative study results for precise statistical insights

• Meta-Synthesis: Discusses qualitative study findings

Gray Literature

• Definition:

  • Literature not accessible via standard bibliographic resources

  • Formats include print and electronic

• Sources: Produced by various organizations (government, universities, professional associations) that are not peer-reviewed

• Examples: Technical reports, policy documents, conference proceedings

Differences in Research Methodologies

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

• Quantitative Research:

  • Begins with hypotheses, utilizes statistics, focuses on variable relationships

• Qualitative Research:

  • No hypotheses, minimal statistics, explores narratives and experiences

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Quantitative Strengths:

  • Objectivity, control, replicability, ability to understand complex situations

• Quantitative Weaknesses:

  • Difficulty measuring complex phenomena, limited breadth of human experience

• Qualitative Strengths:

  • Provides a holistic understanding, generates initial theories

• Qualitative Weaknesses:

  • Time-consuming and often involves smaller participant groups

Research Design and Evidence Quality

Evidence-Based Medicine Pyramid

• Structure:

  • Higher quality evidence at the top despite lesser quantities

• Types of Studies:

  • RCT provides strongest causal support, systematic reviews include all evidence for quality comparison

• Importance of Design: Different study designs serve varying purposes

Next Class Preparation

• Research Article to Review: Hickens, Nicholas et al. on structural inequities in the Canadian dietetic profession

• Key Points to Address: Research purpose, research question identification, assumptions, methodologies employed, limitations acknowledged