handbook for health care research, second edition chapter 4 © 2010 jones and bartlett publishers,...

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

CHAPTER 4Scientific Method



Scientific Method• Well conceived curiosity • Research is repeated which leads to validation

by other researchers



Scientific MethodScience does not proveCan never prove the truth of an assumptionScientific theories are never “true”



Step 1-Formulate Problem Statement

• Move from general perception to concise statement

Think in terms of:• What you see happening?• Why it is important?



Step 2-Generate a Hypothesis• Hypothesis describes your belief about a

particular research problemTestable



Algorithm illustrating the scientific method

.

hypothesis



Step 3-Define Rejection Criteria

• Based on data, the hypothesis is rejected or accepted

• Reject hypothesis if experimental data do not meet criteria

• Clarify what can be measured



Step 4- Make a Prediction • Make a prediction based on our hypothesis

that specifies the rejection values



Steps 5 &6 Perform the Experiment and Test Hypothesis

• Rejection criteria determine the measurements that are required in the experiment

• The hypothesis is tested by comparing the experimental data with the rejection criteria



Conducting Scientific Research: Initial Steps

• Develop study idea-based experiences, colleagues, etc

• Review the literature-know what has already been done

• Consult an expert-helps refine idea• Design experiment-case study, the device or

method evaluation, the clinical study



Conducting Scientific Research: Next Steps

• Write protocol-set of instructions for investigators

• Obtain permission-need permission from your immediate supervisor and from any others who will be affected

• Collect data-think about how data will be collected, what forms will be used to record the data, and who will be responsible for it.



Conducting Scientific Research: Final Steps

• Analyze data- data summarized, advanced statistical techniques performed, and interpret findings

• Publish findings-communicate findings through reports and manuscripts

handbook for health care research, second edition chapter 4 © 2010 jones and bartlett publishers,...

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