Research Methods in Health Sciences
Introduction
While conducting research in the field of health sciences, there are different approaches available for use. However, this fact notwithstanding, the two most important approaches to research in the health sciences are observations and experiments. Essentially, the observational study encompasses a research design in which data is gathered with respect to an issue and then inferences made more with regard to the cause-effect perspectives.
On the other hand, an experimental study encompasses a research design in which certain variables are manipulated and then observations are recorded. For this particular assignment, the observational method of research in health sciences shall be used in order to identify the impact of smoking habits upon the prevalence of lung cancer.
Components of the Research Design
Hypothesis: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer infection
Variables:
In this particular research design, the main variables are smoking and lung cancer infection. Lung cancer is the dependent variable; this is due to the fact that an individual might contract the disease depending on his or her smoking habits. Based on the research hypothesis, failure to indulge in smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer infection whereas smoking increases the risk of contracting lung cancer. On the other hand, smoking is the independent variable based on the design of this research. (Trochim, 2006)
Design and Data Collection
This research will be designed in such a way that data shall be collected from a sample of 30 participants. Among the 30 individuals, 15 will comprise non-smokers while the others are smokers. Observations will then be made with regard to the participants as pertains to the risk factor for contracting lung cancer infection. In terms of measurements, the ordinal level of measurement will come in very handy for this particular study. This is because the risk for contracting lung cancer infection shall be categorized into; no risk, minimal risk, risky, and high risk. (Neutens, 2010)
The level of measurement observed among the research participants will depend on the extent to which they indulge in smoking. For instance, it is expected that heavy smokers have a high risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer. On the other hand, it is anticipated that non-smokers have minimal risk of being diagnosed with the disease. (Trochim, 2006)
Data Analysis
For analysis purposes, the ordinal variables of measurements shall be assigned values as follows; 1 (no risk), 2 (minimal risk), 3 (risky), 4 (high risk). Based on the observations made in accordance with these levels of ordinal measurements, inferences and/or conclusions shall be made. (Neutens, 2010)
Type of Design: Observational
As mentioned earlier in the paper, the type of design for this particular study is observational. This is because it does not encompass manipulation of any form of data. Based on this design, inferences pertaining to the risk of contracting cancer based on smoking habits shall be made in accordance with the observations made among the participants. (Polgar, 2011)
Rational for Choosing the Observational Design
Even though are different approaches towards conducting research in the health sciences, the observational design was chosen for this study. This is because the approach is associated with numerous advantages; firstly, this method is relatively affordable as compared to the experimental approach. Whereas experimental studies encompass manipulation of variables in laboratories and other platforms, the observational approach employs procedures that are relatively inexpensive. Apart from cost issues, another major advantage associated with the observational approach pertains to time factors. (Polgar, 2011)
It is possible to complete the study outlined in this paper in a matter of days and thus save on time. In very sharp contrast, the experimental approach is likely to consume a lot of time; this would also significantly add to the costs. Another major advantage associated with the observational type of study is that it does not require extensive technical understanding. For instance, research questionnaires might come in very handy with regard to the evaluation of smoking trends among the research participants. (Neutens, 2010)
The use of research questionnaires is not technical and as such, assessment and analysis shall be streamlined. Another major advantage associated with the use of observational design as the main approach of study is the fact that it is associated with excellent levels of efficiency. This is due to the fact that accurate inferences can be easily made based on the recorded observations. Even though the observational approach towards research in health sciences is characterized by numerous advantages, it is also critical to highlight that it also brings about various disadvantages. Firstly, elements of bias are likely to occur; in such an instance, the accuracy levels of the entire study are compromised.
Furthermore, elements of bias are likely to undermine the formulation of effective recommendation framework for the problem. Apart from the high likelihood of bias, another important issue of consideration with regard to the undesirable implications of the observational approach pertains to the identification of participants. As briefly outlined earlier, a sample of thirty individuals shall be used for purposes of data collection during the study. However, it is of paramount importance to highlight the fact that it is quite challenging to convince people to take part in the research. (Neutens, 2010)
For instance, some might be looking to gain economically from the research and this might not be applicable. Furthermore, there are also numerous ethical perspectives that should be addressed in line with the observational research; all these present undesirable implications that are likely to result from the study. (Polgar, 2011)
Types of Bias in the research
In research, bias refers to a situation whereby data is not collected uniformly; for instance, collecting information from a particular group of participants while ignoring others. For the observational research documented in this paper, bias might easily occur in different ways. Firstly, during analysis, emphasis might be placed on a small proportion of the ordinal measurements. Such an approach is likely to compromise the quality of analysis in its entirety. (Polgar, 2011)
In addition, bias may also occur when research participants are responding to questions pertaining to their smoking habits; for instance, some participants might suggest that they don’t smoke whereas they indulge in the practice. (Neutens, 2010)
Conclusion
The essay has documented an observational study in which the main research question pertains to the evaluation of the effect and/or impact of smoking on lung cancer. In terms of measurements, the ordinal level of measurement will come in very handy for this particular study. This is due to the fact that the risk for contracting lung cancer infection shall be categorized into; no risk, minimal risk, risky, and high risk.
References
Neutens, J. J. & Rubinson, L. (2010). Research techniques for the health sciences, Benjamin Cummings
Polgar, S. & Thomas, S. A. (2011). Introduction to research in the health sciences, PA: Elsevier
Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Levels of measurement Retrieved on 5th July 2012 from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/measlevl.php
Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Variables, Retrieved on 5th July 2012 from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/variable.php
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