Exam 3: Exploratory Research Flashcards
exploratory research
- systematic investigation of relationships among 2 or more variables
- used when describing relationships, predicting the effect of 1 variable over another, test relationships supported by clinical theory
types of exploratory research
- cohort studies
- case-control studies
- correlational/predictive
- methodological
- history research
Prospective studies (with advantages and disadvantages)
def: “look ahead”-cohor studies
Adv: greater control of data and collection methods, determine incidence of condition, establish temporal relationships (ris factors, outcome), effective for studying multiple disorders
Disadv: not useful for uncommon disorders, timely, expensive (larger cohort=more clinicians needed)
Retrospective
with advantages and disadvantages
def: “look behind” –can also be a cohort study
Adv: important source of information, use databases that already have medical records/surverys
Disadv: there is no control (operational definitions, reliability fo data); incomplete/missing data cause cause issues; accuracy and credibility need consideration since they were not controlled
correlation
measure of the degree of association among variables
- the foundation of exploratory research
- coefficient is the r value (from -1.00 to +1.00)
regression
when a researcher wants to predict value of outcome variable
-linear regression: know one variable and are trying to predict the other based off relationship
r-value meaning
- the strength of the correlation
- closer to +1.00=strong
- 0.00-0.25: little to no correlation
- 0.25-0.50: fair correlation
- 0.50-0.75: moderate to good correlation
- 0.75-1.00: good to excellent correlation
characteristics of correlational research
- Purpose: to describe the nature of EXISTING relationships among variables
- it serves as a rationale for clinical decisions, search for new hypotheses, and determine which variables are related
characteristics and usefulness of predictive studies
- characteristics: to predict a behavior or response based on the observed relationship b/w that behavior and other variables
- usefulness: to develop models used for decision making and for validation of measurement tools
can exploratory research be used to test theories (explain)
- yes, because it is still compiling information so it can test the theories
- it cannot, though, show a direct cause and effect relationship bc nothing was being manipulated
- there is a risk in bias for data interpretation and there can be multiple variables interplayed
Advantages and disadvantages of using exploratory research for theory testing
Adv:
- shows how variables are related to one another
- how they may occur in nature
Disadv:
- cannot determine cause and effect
- risk of bias in data interpretation
- multipel variable interplay
characteristics of cohort study designs
- a group of participants is followed over a period of time
- can calculate rate at which disease develops and identify risk factors
- value: can demonstrate association/correlation between risk factors and disease development
Benefits and limitations of PROSPECTIVE cohort studies
- Data: variables measured by direct recording, data collected in the present, follow progress through treatment/evaluation, control quality and quantity of data
- Adv: greater control of data and collection methods; determine incidence of condition; establish temporal relationships (risk factors, outcome), effective for studying multiple disorders
disadv:
- not useful for uncommon disorders, timely, and expensive (larger cohort will cause for a more clinicians needed=more money)
understand the benefits and limitation of RETROSPECTIVE cohort studies
- data: collected from studies done in the past
- adv: important source of info, use databases that already have medical records/surveys; determine association between identified risk factors and disease; LESS expensive and time consuming than prospective cohort
- disadv: no control (operational definitions, reliability of data); incomplete/missing data; accuracy and credibility need consideration
characteristics of case-control studies
- case: with disorder
- control: without disorder (don’t necessarily have to be completely healthy, just can’t have the disorder of interest)
- look backwards method: direct interviews, questionnaires, chart review, and examine the differences in exposure histories (differences suggest the outcome)
