Capturing cases

Question 1

what is causation + how is it explored

Answer 1

causation = sth that produces an effect
but doesn’t explain how/why - just because there is an association, it doesn’t mean that 1 caused the other

explored by qualitative studies

Question 2

what study type is best for causation

Answer 2

analytic experimental studies
analytic = testing hypothesis
experimental = manipulating variables (so removes confounding)

Question 3

what are theories for causal criteria

Answer 3

koch postulates + Bradford-hill criteria

Question 4

what is Bradford hill criteria

Answer 4

strength of association - stronger link between risk/outcome, less likely caused by other factors

consistency - results can be replicated by different researcher/setting

specificity - research about specific disease

temporality - exposure precedes disease

biological gradient - more exposure, more disease

plausibility - scientific rationale to explain exposure+disease

coherent - association consistent with other knowledge/research

experimental evidence - reinforces causal inference

analogy - association analogues to known causal relationship

Question 5

what are key principles of qualitative studies

Answer 5

pt centred agenda - challenge old ideas, generate new hypotheses

explore more what/why/how instead of how often or many

focus on individual’s feelings/thoughts, accounting for socio-cultural context

Question 6

what diseases is qualitative studies preferred for

Answer 6

sensitive topics
STD, mental health