Research Methods in Study Designs

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Questions and Answers

Which type of study design aims to search for facts?

Comparative study designs

Analytical study designs

Experimental study designs

Descriptive study designs (correct)

What is included in the exclusion criteria of a study population?

Characteristics of the study group excluded from the study (correct)

Inclusion of diverse backgrounds

Demographic characteristics of participants

Willingness to participate

Which of the following is NOT a type of probability sampling method?

Simple random sample

Purposive sampling (correct)

Cluster sample

Stratified sample

In systematic random sampling, what is 'k' defined as?

The sampling interval Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method allows every individual in the population an equal chance of selection?

Simple random sample Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of analytical study designs?

They aim to identify causes Signup and view all the answers

When conducting systematic random sampling, what must be done after determining the sampling interval?

Randomly choose a starting point within k Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of experimental study designs?

Put solutions into action Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a dependent variable in a study focused on acute respiratory tract infections in children?

Incidence of ARI Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes independent variables in research?

Input or cause variables manipulated to determine effect Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of questionnaire design is emphasized as a critical skill?

Selecting study variables related to objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes qualitative variables?

Variables that are non-numerical and describe qualities Signup and view all the answers

During a study, which ethical consideration must be ensured for participants?

Data should be coded to maintain confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

How can results from the study be effectively presented?

In the form of tables and figures Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for data analysis in studies as per the content provided?

Computerized analysis using statistical software Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of clinical examination and laboratory investigations in a questionnaire?

They generate data relevant to clinical findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calculating the sample interval in systematic sampling?

To select participants in a random and structured manner Signup and view all the answers

Which method of data collection involves direct interaction between the interviewer and the study subject?

Individual interviewing Signup and view all the answers

When is total coverage used to estimate sample size?

When the total number of participants is less than 200 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for using well-constructed data collection instruments?

To collect quality data that reliably answers research questions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is commonly used in group interviewing methods?

Group discussions Signup and view all the answers

What method of data collection relies on existing information from documents?

Review of records Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is most commonly used during observation for data collection?

Checklists Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in conducting systematic sampling as described in the content?

Obtain a list of all participants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Study Designs

Descriptive studies: Aim to seek facts and information about a topic.
Analytical studies: Aim to find the causes of a specific phenomenon.
Experimental studies: Aim to implement a solution or intervention to address a problem.

Study Area & Setting

The text doesn't provide specific details about study area and setting.

Study Population

Inclusion criteria: Characteristics of the study group that are eligible to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria: Characteristics of individuals that will not be included in the study.

Sampling Technique

Probability samples: Every member of the population has a known chance of being selected as a participant.
- Simple random sample: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
- Systematic sample: Participants are selected at regular intervals from a list.
- Stratified sample: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) and participants are randomly selected from each stratum.
- Cluster sample: The population is divided into clusters and a sample of clusters is randomly selected.
- Multi-stage sample: A combination of different sampling techniques is used.
Non-probability samples: The probability of each member being selected is unknown.

Sample Size

Factors determining sample size:
- Total population coverage if less than 200 participants.
- Using published tables for sample size estimation.
- Using sample size data from similar studies.
- Utilizing statistical formulas for calculation.

Data Collection Tools and Techniques

Interviewing methods:
- Individual interviewing: One-on-one interview using questionnaires, interview guides, etc.
- Group interviewing: Collecting data from a group of participants through discussion around a topic.
Observation method: Observing and collecting data using checklists.
Review of records: Using existing data from documents, registers, and reports.

Study Variables

Variables: Characteristics that take on different values in a study.
- Qualitative variables: Data that is descriptive or categorical.
- Quantitative variables: Data that is numerical or measurable.
Dependent variables: The outcome or effect variables that are influenced by the independent variables.
Independent variables: The input or cause variables that are manipulated to observe their effect on dependent variables.

Data Analysis

Methods:
- Computerized Analysis: Using statistical software packages like SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for data analysis.
- Manual Analysis: Analyzing data manually.
Presentation of results: Tables and figures.

Ethical Considerations

Respect for participants' rights.
Confidentiality of data (using coded questionnaires).
Informed consent from participants.
Participants' right to withdraw from the study at any time.
Ethical approval from relevant authorities (university, ministry of health, hospitals).
Participants may benefit from the researcher's knowledge.

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Description

This quiz explores various study designs, including descriptive, analytical, and experimental studies. You'll learn about study populations, sampling techniques, and the criteria for including or excluding participants. Test your knowledge on how different methodologies affect research outcomes.