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CHAPTER 1: Using Research and Statistics in Health Care

Types of Statistics

Descriptive
Numerical or graphic summaries of data
Charts, graphs, tables, summary statistics(eg. Mean
and standard deviation)
Inferential
Statistical techniques that allow conclusions to be
drawn about the relationships found among
different variables
Examples include Chi-square test, t test, ANOVA
inferencing : have hypothesis: proving: testing

TEN STEP STUDY PLAN

1.

*Descriptive before Inferential

TYPES OF STUDIES

Descriptive and Explorative

Simply describe situations and events
Ask descriptive questions
o What is the average length of stay in a
hospital after being admitted for an
asthma attack? ( AVERAGE LENGTH :
the descriptive part)
Descriptive statistics are used to analyze data from
these studies

Explanatory Studies
Elucidate relationships among variables
Ask inferential questions
Simply want to explain something that is not clear
to you
o Are woman who are sedentary during
the 3rd trimester of pregnancy more
likely to have a C-section than women
who exercise regularly during the 3rd
trimester?

There are 2 groups being

studied relationships
Use inferential Statistics
May or may not seek to establish causality

Prediction and Control

Seek to determine which variables predict other
variables and to determine causality
Ask inferential questions
o Are people who receive an experimental
medication less likely to have symptoms
of the disease than people who receive
the standard medication?

Less likely? More likely?

Predict other variables

Use inferential statistics

Need to establish CAUSALITY

Statement of the problem and its significance

Look at powerpoint (what??)

Subproblems: what? How many?

What percentage? (avoid why and
how: because they requires answer
in the form of process)

Main Problem: cannot be answered

easily
3 REASONS WHY WE CONDUCT
RESEARCH:
o Gap in knowledge : something that is existing
that cannot be explained
o There is a research done and you want to
duplicate ( you dont believe In the results of
the study)
o To develop something new/ new concept
you want to share

2.

Theoretical/conceptual framework

Theoretical : there is a theory (you

can get)

Conceptual: there are Ideas (own

concept) : PHD STUDENTS

Combination : MASTERALS

STRONGLY SUGGEST:
THEORETICAL
3. Research questions to be answered
4. List of hypotheses to be tested

What do you want to know?

Every research has a hypothesis but

not all hypothesis need to be tested
5. Definitions of key terms and variables

VARIABLES

Dependent

Independent

Intervening Variable: Covariable ( variable that

affects the other one)

KEY TERMS

Not found in the Webster

and Merriam Dictionary

How it is used in the

research : OPERATIONAL
DEFINITION
6. Description of the research design
7. Description of the sample and how it was obtained
o Randomly/ non randomly

Probability sampling
8. Description of the planned statistical analysis
o How the study was analyzed
9. Statement of assumptions and limitations
10. Dissemination plan : Publication
/rna21/