Research Paradigms Flashcards
Paradigms can be roughly spilt into 2 groups -what are they?
Quantitative
Qualitative
What are quantitative methodologies concerned with?
Phenomena that can be objectively measured
What are the key features of quantitative research?
- Data is measurable -collected through observation, survey or experiment
- The aims, objectives and hypotheses are stated prior to data collection
- Procedures are standardised
- The outcome measures are valid and reliable
- The results are presented statistically
- Results are aimed at hypothesis testing and establishing causal relationships
What is a paradigm?
A set of principles that directs research
What is the purpose of the hierarchy of evidence?
To show the relative rank between research designs
What is the lowest level of evidence and why?
Expert opinion -it is very subjective
What type of studies are case reports and case series?
Descriptive studies
What type of studies are case-control studies?
Observational studies
How are case-control studies conducted?
In retrospect. The cases start with a condition and are matched to a control (who does not have the condition)
What are the Bradford-Hill criteria for establishing causation?
Temporal relationship Strength of relationship Dose-response relationship Consistency Plausibility Experiment Consideration of alternate explanations Specificity Coherence
What type of study is a cohort study?
Observational study
How are cohort studies conducted?
Prospectively -two groups are compared and statistical models are generated
