Module 1 Part 1 Research Design

Question 1

Different levels of analysis

Answer 1

Univariate
Bivariate
Multivariable
Multivariate

Question 2

Univariate analysis

Answer 2

Data Summary - single variable

Question 3

Bivariate analysis

Answer 3

Two variables

Question 4

Multivariable analysis

Answer 4

Multiple independent variables

Question 5

Practical steps for data analysis

Answer 5

1. Data needs to be prepared for computer entry
2. Data needs to be entered into a computer, stored and managed
3. Data needs to be summarised and analysed to inform the research question(s) and draw conclusions for the study

Question 6

Data management stages

Answer 6

1. Coding (pre coding or coding after collection)
2. Database or spreadsheet design
3. Data entry and/or transfer
4. Data cleaning - invalid response codes, missing data, duplicate data
5. Security and subject confidentiality

Question 7

Initial checking of questionnaires

Answer 7

Invalid responses
Check for missing data
Illegible writing

Question 8

Data coding

Answer 8

Coding converts collected information into a suitable format for easy data entry and statistical analysis
Coding mostly converts text responses to numerical responses
Cording manual defines the coding system used

Question 9

Coding manual

Answer 9

Integral part of data collection and management
Especially important in large studies involving different people

Question 10

What should a coding manual contain

Answer 10

Definition of each variable
Range of expected responses
Format and instructions for recording data
Instructions for removing uncertainty
Recording of decisions regarding coding

Question 11

Data entry

Answer 11

Can be into a spreadsheet, database or statistical software
1 data cell = 1 value

Question 12

Statistical software

Answer 12

Usually looks like a spreadsheet
Has single row for each participant
Each colum represents one variable
Some packages have rules about length and style of column names

Question 13

Dataset

Answer 13

Name given to a database in statistical software
Vulnerable to human error at several points - coding (researcher), data entry (research or data entry person), data consistency (respondent)

Question 14

Data cleaning

Answer 14

Screening process to minimise occurrence of mistakes and corresponding impact on results
Accurate data - building blocks of analysis
Errors threaten validity of measures and impact on data analysis and results
Checking for coding errors and outliers
Verify data entry
Check data consistently

Question 15

Strategies for increasing accuracy of data entry

Answer 15

Double entry - 2 independent enteries of the original data, discrepancies are checked and corrected
Random checking - subset of records are checked against original data
Create data entity template/form that does not accept data that doesn’t fit acceptable values

Question 16

Consistency checking

Answer 16

Looking for inconsistent responses across questions in data file
Inconsistencies can be due to coding, typographical or respondent error
VERY IMPORTANT

Question 17

Should you log all changes during data cleaning

Answer 17

Yes
Need to keep a record of all changes made during data cleaning
Record all coding decisions so that they can be used to refine coding manual

Question 18

A surveyor was conducted of all nurses employed at a particular hospital. Among other questions, the questionnaire asked about the grade of the nurse and whether he/she was satisfied with their career prospects. What type of study design is this?
Quasi experimental design
Cross sectional study
Cohort study
Matched case control study

Answer 18

Cross sectional - takes snapshot of the characteristics of the nursing staff and their attitudes at a particular point in time

Question 19

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to randomise participants in a randomised controlled trial
1. Researchers/investigators selects the treatment arm (intervention or control) using a random number generator and clinical staff are not told of allocation
2. The clinician asks the participant whether they would like to be in the intervention or control arm of study
3. Researchers/investigators selects the treatment arm (in verve riot or control) using a random number generator and tells the clinical staff which treatment to give
4. The clinical chooses which treatment the participant will receive

Answer 19

Researchers/investigators selects the treatment arm (intervention or control) using a random number generator and clinical staff are not told of allocation

Question 20

A new triage system has been set up at the local Accident and Emergency Unit. To evaluate the new system, the waiting times of patients were measured for 6 months and compared with the waiting times as a comparable nearby hospital. What type of study design is this
1. Cross sectional study
2. Cohort study
3. Matched case control study
4. Quasi experimental design

Answer 20

Quasi experimental design - some features of experimental design such as testing an intervention and comparing it to a control but lacks randomised patients

Question 21

20 high school students from school a and 20 high school students from school b were interviewed about their use of sunscreen. Each student was interviewed at the start of the school year and also at the end of the semester about a sun awareness eductional campaign

The observation units in this study are ___. There are ___ observational units and ____ observations

Answer 21

Students
40
80