Research Design in Quantitative Studies

Questions and Answers

The research design is referred to as the researcher's overall plan for obtaining answers to research questions.

True

Descriptive studies focus on the suspected causes of diseases.

False

A case report includes detailed information about multiple patients.

False

Cross sectional surveys assess the status of individuals regarding exposure and disease at the same point in time.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cohort studies are categorized under descriptive studies.

False Signup and view all the answers

Analytic studies include both observational and experimental studies.

True Signup and view all the answers

Cohort studies can establish direct incidence rates for diseases.

True Signup and view all the answers

Case-Control Studies are primarily suitable for studying very common diseases.

False Signup and view all the answers

Intervention studies are classified as observational studies.

False Signup and view all the answers

A major disadvantage of cohort studies is that they may require very small samples.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Design in Quantitative Studies

Research design is the overall plan for answering research questions or testing hypotheses.
It outlines strategies for obtaining accurate and interpretable information.
Two main types of research design: descriptive studies and analytic studies.

Descriptive Studies

Aim to examine disease patterns.
Types:
- Population-based (correlational studies).
- Individual-based:
  - Case reports: Detailed reports on individual patients.
  - Case series: Profiles of multiple patients with a similar condition.
  - Cross-sectional surveys: Assess exposure and disease status at a single point in time.
Advantages of cross-sectional studies:
- Quick results and exploration of many associations.
- Standardized questions and measurements.
Disadvantages:
- Cannot distinguish causation from correlation.
- Requires large study populations.

Analytic Studies

Focus on suspected causes of diseases.
Two categories:
- Observational studies:
  - Case-control studies track exposure and outcomes retrospectively.
  - Cohort studies follow groups over time, assessing exposure then observing outcomes.
- Intervention studies (clinical trials) involve researchers allocating exposures.

Cohort Studies

Advantages:
- Establish population-based incidence rates.
- Can examine rare exposures and multiple outcomes.
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming and expensive.
- Large sample sizes required; not suitable for rare diseases or those with long incubation periods.
- Subject to issues like non-response, migration, and loss to follow-up.

Case-Control Studies

Comparison between cases with the disease and controls without it.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and quick.
- Suitable for studying rare diseases and those with long incubation periods.
Disadvantages:
- Selection bias and recall bias can distort results.
- Direct estimation of incidence not possible; limited to single outcomes.

Choosing Study Designs

Both case-control and cohort designs can test the same hypothesis, with choice depending on disease nature, exposure type, and resources.
Example: The link between oral contraceptive use and breast cancer studied through both designs.

Intervention Studies

Also called experimental studies or clinical trials, resembling prospective cohort studies.
Participants are identified based on exposure status and monitored for disease development.

Description

This quiz focuses on the principles of research design in quantitative studies, including descriptive and analytic strategies. It explores different types of studies, such as cross-sectional, case reports, and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Test your understanding of how to effectively design research to answer important questions.