Now in its 7thedition this textbook is a must have for any health professional student. It provides a comprehensive overview of health research, in a concise and easy to read format using examples directly related to the health sciences. It helps students understand health research models, and how research goes on to inform and improve evidence-based clinical practice. For practitioners it provides guidance on published research in journals, providing an essential tool to keep their practice evidence based.

Section 1Methodological foundations of health research

1 Foundations of health research

2 Quantitative and qualitative methods

3 The research process

Section 2 Research planning

4 The formulation of research questions

5 Sampling methods and external validity

6 Ethics

Section 3 Research designs

7 Experimental designs and randomized controlled trials

8 Surveys and quasi-experimental designs

9 Qualitative research

Section 4 Data collection

10 Questionnaires and survey design

11 Mixed methods

12 Interviewing techniques

13 Measurement and observation

Section 5 Descriptive statistics

14 Organization and presentation of data

15 Measures of central tendency and variability

16 Standard scores and normal distributions

17 Correlation

Section 6 Data analysis and inference

18 Probability and confidence intervals

19 Hypothesis testing: selection and use of statistical tests

20 Effect size and the interpretation of evidence

21 Qualitative data analysis

22 Critical evaluation of published research

Section 7 Evaluation and dissemination of research results

23 Synthesis of research evidence: systematic reviews and meta-analyses

24 Translational research