Introduction to Research in Health Sciences

In the health sciences today every student and practitioner must be able to employ research methods and techniques. Technological advances and an increasing demand to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of health services, have ensured that the education of all health professionals now includes a study of research methods.

Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences is essential reading for anyone wishing to undertake research or to read and interpret research findings in any of the health science disciplines. It covers both quantitative and qualitative research methodology taking a very down-to-earth, straightforward approach. This informative text ensures that the readers can understand and utilise the latest advances in their area of clinical practice.

Uses simple language and demystifies the jargon

Provides built-in feedback so that the reader can assess their progress and understanding

Gives examples directly related to the health sciences

Provides an extensive glossary for better understanding of the language of research

Increased extent by approximately 20 pages

Improved layout with larger page size and 2 column format

Better use of boxes and background shading to display equations and tables so that they stand out more from the text

More on qualitative research

Examples of published research material (extracts from theses and journal articles) are used to illustrate the text

Stronger links between the sections on different stages of research

Completely new chapter on the single case

Completely new chapter on communication

More throughout on scientific communication; ethics; patient confidentiality; the truthful presentation of results.

Stephen Polgar works in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

Shane A. Thomas is Professor and Director of Primary Care Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University, Melbourne, AustraliaHonorary Professor Research School in Population Health, Australian National UniversityProfessor and Director, International Institute for Primary Health Care Research,Health and Family Planning Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center of Shenzhen, China