Chapter 1

Question 1

What is the primary focus of descriptive studies?

Answer 1

In-depth information about one person; often leads to new hypotheses; detects naturally occurring relationships among variables

Descriptive studies utilize case studies, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and naturalistic observation.

Question 2

What type of research setting is typically used in experimental studies?

Answer 2

Usually laboratory

Experimental studies involve statistical comparison of experimental and control groups.

Question 3

What is a key strength of epidemiological studies?

Answer 3

Useful in determining disease etiology; easy to replicate; good generalizability

Epidemiological studies are usually conducted in the field.

Question 4

What does meta-analysis involve?

Answer 4

Statistical combination of the results of many studies

No new data are collected in a meta-analysis.

Question 5

What are the strengths of experimental studies?

Answer 5

High degree of control over independent and dependent variables; random assignment eliminates preexisting differences among groups

Experimental studies allow for statistical comparison between groups.

Question 6

What is a significant weakness of descriptive studies?

Answer 6

No direct control over variables; subject to bias of observer; single cases may be misleading; cannot determine causality

Correlation may mask extraneous variables.

Question 7

What limitation is associated with experimental studies?

Answer 7

Artificiality of laboratory may limit the generalizability of results; certain variables cannot be investigated for practical or ethical reasons

This affects how findings can be applied in real-world settings.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The _______ method is time-consuming and expensive.

Answer 8

Epidemiological studies

This refers to the need for careful study design and data collection in epidemiological research.

Question 9

True or False: Meta-analysis collects new data.

Answer 9

False

Meta-analysis involves statistical analysis of existing studies, not the collection of new data.

Question 10

What is a potential bias in meta-analysis?

Answer 10

Potential bias due to selection of studies included

The choice of studies can affect the validity of the meta-analysis results.