Research Methodology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of nominal level measurement?

  • Equal intervals between values
  • Ordered categories without equal intervals
  • Ordered categories with a true zero
  • Categories with no order (correct)

    • Which variable is considered the cause in a study?

  • Independent variable (correct)
  • Dependent variable
  • Operational variable
  • Confounding variable

    • Which of the following best exemplifies operationalizing a variable?

  • Defining stress as feeling overwhelmed
  • Identifying stress through self-report surveys
  • Describing social media use as casual browsing
  • Measuring stress using cortisol levels in saliva (correct)

    • What type of error is characterized as unpredictable fluctuations occurring by chance?

    <p>Random error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a limitation when selecting measurement tools?

    <p>Guaranteed accuracy across all conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome in the PICO question regarding the mindfulness program for college students?

    <p>Reduction in anxiety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the PICO example regarding air pollution and asthma, what is the comparator used?

    <p>Low air pollution exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which study design is most suitable for examining causation by testing interventions according to the content provided?

    <p>Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the PICO framework primarily help to develop?

    <p>Research questions about health topics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does cohort study design focus on when examining outcomes?

    <p>Observing groups over time to study outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT part of the PICO framework?

    <p>Hypothesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would using the PICO framework be most beneficial?

    <p>Developing a specific health-related research question</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)?

    <p>They randomly assign subjects to different treatment groups to test effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which attribute is essential for making a research question feasible?

    <p>It is realistic given available resources and time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be considered a common pitfall when designing a research question?

    <p>Avoiding definitions for key terms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example best illustrates a well-defined research question?

    <p>Does a high-protein diet reduce blood pressure in adults aged 40-60?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the PICO framework, what does 'I' stand for?

    <p>Intervention/Exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a good research question?

    <p>It is clear and unambiguous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential issue with poor research questions?

    <p>Inability to gather data effectively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'temporality' in the context of cross-sectional studies?

    <p>The measurement of variables at one point in time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of power analysis in study design?

    <p>To ensure sample size is large enough to detect an effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statistical tests are commonly used in cohort studies?

    <p>Kaplan-Meier and Logistic Regression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What clarification is necessary in research studies to establish causation?

    <p>Longitudinal data collection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What assumption must be checked before conducting many statistical tests?

    <p>Normality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What analysis specifically examines effects within specific population subsets?

    <p>Subgroup Analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component to report when presenting study results?

    <p>Effect sizes and confidence intervals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of violating statistical assumptions in a study?

    <p>False positives and unreliable results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does sensitivity analysis help to identify in a study?

    <p>Influential data points or model choices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measure is primarily used to calculate odds in a case-control study?

    <p>Odds Ratio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary outcome of the study exploring the relationship between physical activity and depression risk?

    <p>Development of depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statistical method is most appropriate for analyzing the relationship between physical activity and the risk of depression while adjusting for confounders?

    <p>Regression model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What confounder should be adjusted for due to potential influence on depression risk in the study?

    <p>Work/occupation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical issue must be addressed in the cohort study focused on physical activity and depression?

    <p>Informed consent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be considered when selecting the study population for the research on physical activity and depression?

    <p>Age range of participants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ethical principle that ensures the rights and well-being of research participants are protected?

    <p>Respect for persons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an element of informed consent?

    <p>Informed decision-making after participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the suggested methods to protect participant privacy in research?

    <p>De-identify data when possible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which outcome can result from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) assessment?

    <p>Approval, request for modifications, or disapproval</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should researchers do to ensure practical feasibility in their studies?

    <p>Evaluate practical constraints before designing the study</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique can be used to visualize milestones and deadlines in a research study timeline?

    <p>Gantt charts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best approach to address challenges in recruiting participants?

    <p>Broaden inclusion criteria and use multiple recruitment methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential reason for low compliance during data collection?

    <p>Complex data collection instruments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is crucial for maintaining research integrity and success?

    <p>Ethical considerations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should researchers do regarding costs while budgeting for research?

    <p>Identify essential expenses and consider contingencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Designing a Study: Methodology and Practical Considerations

    • The research question drives the study design
    • A good research question is specific, focused, feasible, relevant, and answerable.
    • Weak questions are too broad, vague, or lack specificity.

    Examples of Weak Research Questions

    • "How does diet affect health?" - Too broad; lacks specificity; needs to specify diet type, health outcome, and population
    • "Why do people get sick?" - Vague and untestable; too broad; needs to focus on a specific factor or population
    • "Is exercise good?" - Too simplistic and subjective; needs to define "good" and provide context

    Common Pitfalls to Avoid

    • Being too broad or vague
    • Unclear or unmeasurable outcomes
    • Assuming causation in associational studies

    The PICO Framework

    • Population: Who is being studied?
    • Intervention/Exposure: What is the main factor being examined?
    • Comparison: Is there a control or comparison group? (RCT, Case Control)
    • Outcome: What result is being measured?

    Examples Using PICO

    • Does a mindfulness program improve anxiety in college students compared to no program?
    • Is air pollution associated with increased asthma in children compared to low pollution exposure?

    Linking Questions to Study Design

    • The research question guides the choice of study design
    • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are best for causal questions testing interventions
    • Cohort Studies are best for studying effects of exposures over time
    • Case-Control studies are best for studying associations with rare diseases or outcomes
    • Cross-Sectional studies are best for descriptive studies assessing prevalence and associations at a single point in time

    Choosing a Study Design

    • RCTs: Strongest evidence for causation, minimizes confounding, establishes temporal sequence, can study multiple outcomes
    • Cohort Studies: Efficient for rare outcomes, suitable for common exposures
    • Case-Control Studies: Efficient for rare outcomes, can examine multiple exposures

    The Study Population

    • A group of individuals (or entities) who will be measured
    • Must match your research question
    • Define the target population
    • Specify inclusion and exclusion criteria
    • Example: Adults aged 30-65 with diabetes in a specific region

    Target Population vs Study Sample

    • Target population: Broader group, results apply to
    • Study sample: Subset you actually study

    Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

    • Inclusion: Required characteristics for participation
    • Exclusion: Characteristics that disqualify participants

    Recruitment vs Secondary Data

    • Recruitment: Actively enrolling participants meeting study criteria (Surveys, questionnarie, interviews)
    • Secondary data: Utilizing existing data for other purposes (e.g., health records, census data)

    Sampling Methods (Probability)

    • Simple random sampling: Equal chance for selection
    • Stratified sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups
    • Cluster sampling: Selecting naturally occurring groups

    Sampling Methods (Non-Probability)

    • Convenience sampling: Easily accessible participants
    • Purposive sampling: Based on specific criteria
    • Snowball sampling: Participants recruit others

    Ensuring Valid Population Selection

    • Align population closely with research question
    • Use clear, specific inclusion/exclusion criteria
    • Consider representativeness and generalizability

    Practical Exercise: Defining Your Population

    • Choose a research question
    • Define the target population
    • List inclusion and exclusion criteria
    • Describe the ideal sampling method

    Introduction to Variables

    • Variables are characteristics or factors measured in a study
    • Can be independent (cause), dependent (effect), or confounding
    • Identifying variables is crucial for robust research

    Levels of Measurement

    • Nominal: Categories with no order (e.g., eye color)
    • Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., education level)
    • Interval: Ordered, equal intervals, no true zero
    • Ratio: Ordered, equal intervals, true zero

    Operationalizing Variables

    • Translating abstract concepts into measurable terms
    • Example: "Stress" as "cortisol levels in saliva"
    • Crucial for clarity and consistency in measurement

    Selecting Measurement Tools

    • Surveys and questionnaires
    • Physical measurements (e.g., blood pressure cuff)
    • Observational techniques
    • Digital tracking (e.g., smartphone apps)

    Addressing Measurement Error

    • Random error: Unpredictable fluctuations
    • Systematic error: Consistent bias
    • Strategies: Calibration, Multiple measures

    Handling Missing Data

    • Types: Missing completely at random, at random, not at random
    • Approaches: Listwise deletion, mean imputation, multiple imputation, need to consider that on analysis

    Measurement in Different Research Designs

    • Experimental: Controlled manipulation of variables
    • Observational: Measuring naturally occurring phenomena
    • Important to consider and choose the appropriate measures

    Ethical Considerations in Measurement

    • Informed consent for data collection
    • Privacy and confidentiality of measurements
    • Cultural sensitivity in tool selection and administration

    Choosing the Right Statistical Test

    • Match test to data type and research question
    • Consider parametric vs. non-parametric tests

    Main Analysis Approaches by Study Design

    • RCTs: T-tests, ANOVA, Chi-square, Regression
    • Cohort Studies: Relative risk, Hazard Ratios, Kaplan-Meier, Logistic Regression
    • Case-Control Studies: Odds Ratio, Conditional Logistic Regression, Chi-square

    Power Analysis

    • Determines sample size
    • Considers effect size, alpha level, and desired power

    Assumptions of Statistical Tests

    • Normality, homoscedasticity, independence

    Sensitivity Analysis

    • Tests robustness of results to different assumptions
    • Important for ensuring confidence in findings
    • Used if missing data are an issue in the data

    Subgroup Analysis

    • Examines effects within specific population subsets
    • Can reveal heterogeneous treatment effects
    • Increased risk of false positives

    Reporting Results

    • Presentation of key findings: effect sizes, and confidence intervals
    • Appropriate use of p-values and statistical significance

    Interpretation Pitfalls/Limitations

    • Correlation vs. causation confusion
    • Over-reliance on p-values
    • Ignoring practical significance

    Reproducibility in Analysis

    • Documentation of all analysis steps
    • Use of version control for code
    • Sharing data and analysis scripts

    Ethics & Feasibility

    • Rights and well-being of research participants
    • Key principles: respect for persons, beneficence, justice
    • Informed consent
    • Protecting participant privacy
    • Ethical review processes
    • Assessing study feasibility: Resources, time, funding, personnel, and practical constraints

    Creating a Study Timeline

    • Break the study into stages: recruitment, data collection, analysis
    • Use Gantt charts to visualize milestones and deadlines
    • Account for potential delays

    Budgeting for Research Costs

    • Participants’ incentives
    • Equipment costs
    • Staff/personnel costs

    Addressing Recruitment Challenges

    • Finding eligible participants
    • Broaden inclusion criteria
    • Using multiple recruitment methods
    • Consider pilot testing

    Managing Data Collection Issues

    • Unreliable tools, timing issues, low compliance
    • Validating instruments
    • Offering flexible scheduling
    • Backup plans

    Balancing Ethics and Practicality

    • Ethical considerations impact study design
    • Resource limitations affect ability and ideal procedure
    • Aim is to have a balance between riguorous ethical design and practical constraints

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    Related Documents

    Designing A Study: Methodology and Practical Considerations PDF - ENH522

    Description

    Test your understanding of research design and the importance of formulating specific research questions. This quiz covers common pitfalls, the PICO framework, and examples of weak research questions. Enhance your skills in developing clear and focused inquiries for effective study design.

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