Research Questions & Hypotheses in Mental Health

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic does NOT describe a good research question?

Clear and answerable

Interesting and important to stakeholders

Not relevant to stakeholders (correct)

Original or in need of further replication

Which of the following is NOT one of the FINER criteria?

Interesting

New (correct)

Feasible

Relevant

Which origin of research questions involves personal interest or experience?

Evidence

Stakeholder views

Theories

Personal interest/experience (correct)

In a research context, what does a hypothesis represent?

A clear and testable proposed explanation for a phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What type of research question seeks to understand how mental health problems arise and develop?

Aetiology & mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically included in a research protocol?

Executive summary Signup and view all the answers

What should research studies start with to ensure effective design?

Clearly defined question rooted in theory and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in the analysis plan of a research protocol?

Procedures for evaluating the findings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a hypothesis in research?

To provide a possible solution to the research question to be tested Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the objectives of a study?

Overall purpose of the study Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having a defined sample size in research?

It helps in drawing valid conclusions from the study Signup and view all the answers

What does PPI stand for in clinical research?

Public and Patient Involvement Signup and view all the answers

In a controlled trial of motivational interviewing, what was the primary hypothesis?

Post-intervention substance misuse levels will be lower in the motivational interviewing group Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of stakeholders in the research process?

Defining the research question Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components of a good research question?

It should be clear and answerable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following frameworks identifies criteria for evaluating research questions?

FINER criteria Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research question aims to develop and test methods for alleviating mental health problems?

Treatment Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'aetiology' refer to in the context of research questions?

Exploring the origins and mechanisms of problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial first step in designing a research study?

Defining a clear research question. Signup and view all the answers

In the structure of a research protocol, which section outlines the methods to be used?

Methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the introduction section in a research protocol?

To provide context and rationale for the study. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically considered in the FINER criteria for research questions?

Integration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of a research study?

To establish the overall purpose Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research objectives, which of the following best describes their function?

To specify tasks required to meet the study aim Signup and view all the answers

What must researchers communicate at the end of a study regarding their hypothesis?

Whether it was supported or not Signup and view all the answers

What describes a primary hypothesis in a research study?

The expected outcome from the intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to include in the sample description of a research protocol?

Inclusion and exclusion criteria Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, which approach is mentioned for analyzing data?

Thematic analysis Signup and view all the answers

What role do stakeholders play in the research process?

They may help define research questions and review protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of disseminating research results?

Communicating results to researchers, clinicians, and the public Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Questions and Hypotheses

Good research questions are clear, answerable, relevant to mental health research, original (or needing replication), interesting to stakeholders, and appropriate to the current evidence level in the field.
The FINER criteria for evaluating research questions include feasibility, interest, novelty, ethics, and relevance.
Research questions can originate from personal interest, clinical observation, existing evidence (including systematic reviews and incremental studies), theories, or stakeholder input (including service users and carers).
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, testable, and the core of scientific methods. Any empirical study testing associations must have a stated hypothesis before the study begins. Secondary hypotheses can be tested as well.
Qualitative or descriptive studies may not have a hypothesis, but they will have a specific research question.

Types of Research Questions

Aetiology & Mechanisms: Investigate the causes and development of mental health problems, using neuroscience, psychology, and epidemiology.
Treatment: Examine methods to prevent or alleviate mental health issues, often involving trials or evaluations.
Experiences: Understand the lived experience of mental health problems, usually employing qualitative research or patient and public involvement (PPI).

Research Study Design

Research studies begin with a clearly defined question grounded in theory and evidence, and a protocol outlining the study's steps.
Different methods have varying pros and cons; feasibility is important to consider.
Collaborative designs are preferred.
The design should align with the current stage of evidence in the field.
Simplicity is key; publish the protocol.

Protocol Structure

Introduction: Context, current evidence, rationale for the study, including key terms, the current state of evidence, underlying theories, the importance of the area (including stakeholder views, implications for further research, clinical implications, and economic implications). This section justifies the study design and its placement within the existing evidence base. Include a clear justification for conducting the study at that particular stage of knowledge.
Aims, Objectives, & Hypothesis: Overall purpose, specific tasks, and proposed solution(s) to the research question for testing. The study needs to state whether or not its hypothesis was supported at the end.
Methods: Setting, sample (sampling frame, inclusion/exclusion criteria, selection method (random, purposive, convenience), justification for sample size, comparison groups), measures (reliability and validity), outcomes, interventions, and data collection procedures.
Analysis Plan: Pre-defined strategies for analyzing the data, considering both quantitative (descriptions/comparisons, primary/secondary data, statistical tests) and qualitative approaches (thematic analysis/grounded theory, analysis software).
Dissemination Plans: Sharing findings with researchers, clinicians, service planners and policy makers, service users, carers, and the public.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Crucial in clinical research; often a funding requirement.
It includes stakeholders like service users, carers, clinicians, service planners, policy makers, and the public.
Involvement can encompass defining research questions, evaluating study protocols and tools, reviewing the ethics process, and contributing at all stages of research.

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Description

This quiz explores the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, particularly in the context of mental health. It emphasizes the importance of the FINER criteria and the various types of research questions relevant to mental health studies. Prepare to test your understanding of these fundamental concepts.