Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences - Softcover

Polgar BSc(Hons) MSc, Stephen; Thomas DipPubPol PhD MAPS, Shane A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0443074291 ISBN 13: 9780443074295

Publisher: Churchill Livingstone, 2007

Synopsis

Like the previous versions, the fifth edition of An Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences has two overall aims. 1) To introduce the fundamental principles of research methodology and explain how these principles are applied for conducting research in the health sciences. 2) To demonstrate how evidence produced through research is applied to solving problems in everday health care. This book is written in an accessible style. It maintains the traditions of the previous editions, with examples, questions, feedback sections, and an extensive glossary.

• Uses simple language and demystifies the jargon
• Provides built-in feedback for readers to assess their own progress
• Gives examples relating directly to the health sciences
• Provides an extensive glossary for better understanding of the language of research
• Addresses qualitative as well as quantitative research issues

• Includes a chapter focussing on the use of qualitative methods in health research
• Includes a chapter for discussing systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Contains more revision questions Increased emphasis throughout on evidence based concepts
• More and updated discussion of qualitative research methods
• New section on basic epidemiological concepts as a research approach
• More discussion of analysis and use of administrative and secondary data sets as research resources
• Complete rewrite of the chapter on causal research
• Stronger links between the sections on different stages of research

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Polgar, BSc(Hons), MSc, Lecturer, School of Behavioral Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia;
Shane A Thomas, BA(Hons), DipPubPol, PhD, Reader, School of Health Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

Review

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0443074291
• ISBN 13: 9780443074295
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 344