5. Research Design.pdf

Research Design Edric Estrella, PD-SML, PhD, MPH, RPh Research Methods in Public Health Department of Public Health KFU College of Applied Medical Sciences Qualitative Study Designs: 3. Grounded Theory - development of new theory through the collection and analysis of data about a pheno...

Research Design Edric Estrella, PD-SML, PhD, MPH, RPh Research Methods in Public Health Department of Public Health KFU College of Applied Medical Sciences Qualitative Study Designs: 3. Grounded Theory - development of new theory through the collection and analysis of data about a phenomenon theory needs to be grounded or rooted in observation 4. Case study – in-depth analysis of a single or small number of units, a person, an organization, an institution or an approach Phases in the research process (Eyler, 2021) Research Purpose in Public Health Exploration Description Explanation Evaluation Types of research Comparison between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods (Source: Family Health International, 2005)  eliciting and categorizing responses to responses to questions questions Comparison between Quantitative and Qualitative Use semi-structured Research methods such Methods Use highly structured methods of data as in-depth interviews, focus group collection such2005) (Source: Family Health International, as questionnaires, discussions, and participant observation surveys, and structured observation Analytical objectives To quantify variation To describe variation To predict causal relationships To describe and explain relationships To describe characteristics of a To describe individual experiences Population To describe group norms Question format Closed-ended Open-ended Data format Numerical (obtained by assigning Textual (obtained from audiotapes, numerical values to responses videotapes, and field notes) Flexibility in study Study design is pre-determined and Some aspects of the study are design stable from beginning to end flexible (for example, the addition, exclusion, or wording of particular  To describe characteristics of a To describe individual experiences Comparison between Quantitative andToQualitative Population describe group norms Research Methods Question format Closed-ended Open-ended Data format (Source: Family HealthNumerical (obtained International, by assigning 2005) Textual (obtained from audiotapes, numerical values to responses videotapes, and field notes) Flexibility in study Study design is pre-determined and Some aspects of the study are design stable from beginning to end flexible (for example, the addition, exclusion, or wording of particular interview questions) Participant responses do not influence or Participant responses affect how and determine how and which questions which questions researchers ask next researchers ask next Study design is subject to statistical Study design is iterative, that is, data assumptions and conditions collection and research questions are adjusted according to what is learned Method of sample Makes use of a representative sample Makes use of non-probability sampling selection selected through the application of a designs, usually purposive, quota and probability sampling design snow-ball sampling Data analysis Information collected is classified Information is classified into categories according to predetermined categories which are identified in the data itself  Participant responses do not influence or Participant responses affect how and determine how and which questions which questions researchers ask next Comparison between Quantitative and Qualitative Research researchers ask next Methods Study design is subject to statistical Study design is iterative, that is, data (Source: Family Health International, assumptions 2005) and conditions collection and research questions are adjusted according to what is learned Method of sample Makes use of a representative sample Makes use of non-probability sampling selection selected through the application of a designs, usually purposive, quota and probability sampling design snow-ball sampling Data analysis Information collected is classified Information is classified into categories according to predetermined categories which are identified in the data itself (deductive process) through an inductive process Succinct, quantifiable, can be presented Extensive, descriptive, cannot be in numerical tables and analyzed succinctly presented, interpretation more statistically subjective Mixed-Methods Research “the combination of at least one qualitative and at least one quantitative component in a single research project or program” (Bergman, 2008) a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and “mixing” both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to understand a research problem provides fuller understanding of a research problem than a mono- method approach Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative methods The most appropriate study design to choose is dependent on several factors. CONSIDER  feasibility of the study, in relation to sample population, budget, and time frame How easy will it be to access the population of interest? Will you have a large enough sample to support the design you choose? Are the costs of the study design consistent with your research budget? The literature from Phase 1 can be a source of ideas for the best study- design fit. Several different designs may be appropriate for your research, with one exception. If determination of causation is required to answer your research question, then a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design is needed. Ways to Categorize Study Designs: 1. Based on the objective of the study Descriptive Analytical  describes  explains  is more exploratory  is more explanatory  profiles characteristics of a  analyze why a group has such group characteristics  focuses on “what”  focuses on “why”  assumes no hypothesis  assumes a hypothesis  does not require  require comparisons comparisons between groups between groups over time or over time Ways to Categorize Study Designs: 2. Based on the degree of control of the exposure variable by the investigator  Observational versus Experimental 3. Based on whether the study outcome already occurred or not  Retrospective versus Prospective 4. Based on whether the data has already been collected or not  Retrospective versus Prospective Quantitative Study Designs: A. Descriptive: 1. Case Report/Case Series - describes the experience of a single case or a group of similar cases of unusual medical occurrences 2. Ecological/ Correlational Study – aggregate data 3. Prevalence Study – snapshot of a population Quantitative Study Designs: B. Analytical: 1. Cross-sectional - difficult to establish temporal relationship between exposure and outcome fast, inexpensive, no loss to follow-up impractical for the study of rare disease 2. Cohort Study - study participants are grouped according to their exposure/s and are followed over time with period measurement of the outcome/s of interest not appropriate for studying rare outcomes prospective cohort suffers from loss to follow-up Quantitative Study Designs: B. Analytical: 3. Case-control Study - appropriate for the study of rare outcomes or those diseases with long induction and latent periods suffers from recall bias inefficient for rare exposure 4. Experimental Study - investigator randomly allocates study participants into two groups and assigns the treatment provides the best evidence cause-effect relationships ethical issues Quasi-experimental study – suitable for environments where it is not feasible to randomized Approaches to Qualitative Research Phenomenology term describing a main philosophical paradigm or approach to qualitative research emphasizes description or interpretation of subjective lived experiences and perspectives useful for formative or pilot research in which subjective experiences can help shape more effective intervention components Approaches to Qualitative Research Phenomenology emphasizes a focus on people's subjective experiences and interpretations of the world Example: Back pain Correlation study - the types of people who experience back pain and the apparent causes RCT of drugs - compare the effectiveness of one analgesia against another Phenomenological study – effect that back pain has on sufferers’ relationships with other people Example qualitative study about spousal caregiving might attempt to answer the question: What is the essence of being a caregiver to a spouse with a chronic disease? Approaches to Qualitative Research Ethnography - “portrait of a people” descriptive studies of cultures and peoples a way for a researcher to understand a phenomenon through the eyes of the participants data collection takes place in natural settings data are used to accurately and thoroughly describe the way in which a culture or group of people live and interpret the meaning of concepts can elucidate cultural influences on health behavior and frame relevant health issues holistically, considering their historical, economic, and political contexts Example public health ethnographical topics include HIV, gun violence, worker safety, immigrant health, etc. How do new teen mothers experience life transition in the context of returning to school?” Approaches to Qualitative Research Grounded theory - development of new theory through the collection and analysis of data about a phenomenon theory needs to be grounded or rooted in observation used to develop theory that is “grounded in data systematically gathered and analyzed Approaches to Qualitative Research Grounded theory constant comparative analysis  researcher goes back and forth between data collection and analysis As data are analyzed, themes and patterns develop. New cases or observations can add to or change the way these themes develop. Once the researcher perceives no additional insights from new observations, this process stops and analysis can be completed. Example What factors impact policy makers’ preferences for receiving information on public health topics? Approaches to Qualitative Research Case studies - in - depth analysis of a single or small number of units, a person, an organization, an institution or an approach can be an effective way to gain information on a complex public health topic empirical, in-depth exploration of an individual or groups (i.e., cases) to make conclusions within a particular context Approaches to Qualitative Research Case studies Different disciplines vary in the way they frame case studies, and there is a lack of consensus about the distinctions of this approach. can be framed within an individual perspective, exploring concepts such as development, personality, and learning of one person. Public health studies are more likely to frame case study research within organizations or communities, or with a social perspective. Example