Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences

The advancement of knowledge and practice in health care depends on the education of individuals who are competent in undertaking health research and evaluations. Research is fundamental to the health sciences. Technological advances and an increasing demand to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of health services have ensured that research is a high priority for the health care industry.
Consistent with 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.
In addition, this new edition:

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

contains updated figures

• 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

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