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HSC 310 - Evidence Based Health Care: Evaluating Resources

Reading Science Research for Non-Scientists

Even if the data is too over your head in terms of understanding, you will be able to evaluate the way that data is used... One way to judge scientific credibility (or lack thereof) is to scope out the logical structure of the arguments a scientist is putting up for consideration.

Here's how a credible research article should read (via Scientific American):

  • Here's my hypothesis.
  • Here's what you'd expect to observe if the hypothesis is true. Here, on the other hand, is what you'd expect to observe if the hypothesis is false.
  • Here's what we actually observed (and here are the steps we took to control the other variables).
  • Here's what we can say (and with what degree of certainty) about the hypothesis in the light of these results.
  • Here's the next study we'd like to do to be even more sure.

Research Methodologies

Quantitative Research

  • Answers who, what, where, and when 
  • Explores phenomenon with numbers or statistics to develop models and theories
  • This research is objective and often explores the causal relationships between different variables
  • Examples: measurements, reaction times, statistical data

Qualitative Research

  • Answers how and why
  • Explores a phenomenon with descriptive data that cannot be quantified by numbers
  • This research is subjective and explores experiences, attitudes, and behaviors of participants
  • Examples: interviews, observation, focus groups

Mixed Methodology Research

  • Combines aspects of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, in order to yield additional information and insight. 

For example, a mixed methods approach could use a survey with both closed questions to determine the number of times a given situation occurred (quantitative) and open-ended questions to determine participant attitudes (qualitative)

Can I answer these 3 questions, to validate support of using this article in my review:

1. Was the research funded by a source that could influence the findings?

2. What was the research question of the study you are reviewing? 

3. What were the research methodologies? Analyze its literature review, the samples and  variables used, the results, and the conclusions. Does the research seem to be complete?  Could it have been conducted more soundly? What further questions does it raise?