Fundamentals of Research Methodology for Healthcare Professionals 5e

Product Details:
Author(s):
Brink, HI and
van Rensburg, G
Year Published:
2022
Edition
5th Edition
Type:
Print | Soft Cover
Language:
English
About this publication
Fundamentals of Research Methodology for Healthcare Professionals presents the fundamental principles of research methodology and supports the vital role that research plays in the improvement of health science practices. The book provides novice and emerging researchers with the principles of philosophy of science as well as practical research methods. It is valuable for research capacity development and is also an accessible resource for more experienced researchers reviewing research principles.
This fifth edition of Fundamentals of Research Methodology for Healthcare Professionals has been updated to incorporate the latest trends in research methodology and evidence-based practice. The book details the steps involved in planning and undertaking a research project, from identifying and formulating the problem through to reporting findings. It underscores the importance of having a clear understanding of research methodology and terminology in order to read research reports with critical insight, implement evidence-based practice, and expand research. This edition is certain to stimulate awareness of the myriad researchable and research-requiring questions encountered daily in healthcare practice.
Key features include:
 • clearly defined learning objectives to indicate the focus of each chapter
 • practical examples of research projects or steps in the research process
 • chapter summaries to reinforce learning
 • exercises to put theory into practice
 • a practical, hands-on introduction to research methodology.
Content
CHAPTER 1: Orientation to health sciences research
What is research?
What is health sciences research?
Ways of acquiring knowledge
The scientific method
 
CHAPTER 2: Research and theory
The nature of scientific theory
Development of theory
Testing of theory
The relationship between theory and research
 
CHAPTER 3: Ethical considerations in the conduct of health sciences research
Codes of ethical research
Fundamental ethical principles
Procedures and mechanisms for protecting human rights
Evaluation of the ethical elements of a research proposal or report
 
CHAPTER 4: An overview of the research process
The research process
Major phases and steps in the research process
Other models of the research process
Research setting
 
CHAPTER 5: Selecting or identifying research problems
What is a research topic?
Research problem and purpose
 
CHAPTER 6: The literature review
Definitions
Purpose of the literature review
Types of information and sources
Primary and secondary sources
Depth and breadth of the review
Developing a search strategy
The review process
 
CHAPTER 7: Refining and defining the research question
Refining the research question
Research questions
Research hypotheses
Research aims and objectives
Identifying variables
Research proposal
 
CHAPTER 8: Quantitative research
Important concepts and principles in quantitative research designs
Basic and applied research
Time dimension in research
Classification of research designs
Epidemiological research
Evaluating quantitative research designs
 
CHAPTER 9: Qualitative research designs and introduction to mixed methods research
Overview of qualitative research
Searching the literature in qualitative research
Rigour in qualitative research
Choice of research design
An introduction to mixed methods research
Major types of mixed methods designs
 
CHAPTER 10: Sampling
Basic sampling concepts
Sampling approaches
Sample choice
Sample adequacy
 
CHAPTER 11: Data collection
The data-collection process
Data-collection methods
 
CHAPTER 12: Data quality
Types of error
Sources of measurement error
Validity of data-collection instruments
Validity of qualitative data
Reliability of data-collection instruments
Relationship between reliability and validity
Other factors affecting data quality
The pilot study and pre-test
Measurement evaluation
 
CHAPTER 13: Data analysis
Analysis of quantitative data
Choosing appropriate statistical procedures
Inferential statistics
Use of graphics
Interpretation of quantitative data
Analysis of qualitative data
Data-analysis evaluation
Protection of data in the online space
 
CHAPTER 14: Research reports and report evaluation
Purpose of a research report
Report formats
Planning the report
Structure of the report
Style of the report
Technical layout of the report
The ethics of report writing
Critical evaluation of the report
 
Productive writing
Interest / Benefit to
Health science students
Nursing, medicine and ancillary health services (OT; physio, etc.)
Researchers in other disciplines