Week 2

Question 1

Quantitative Design methods

Answer 1

Use mathematical analyses
Descriptive statistics
Inferential statistics

Goal
To describe, compare, predict factors (variables)

Reasoning
Deductive
but inductive approach to form hypothesis if one is used

Question 2

Experimental

Answer 2

experiment- randomized control trial

Quasi-experiment- pretest/post test and case design

Question 3

Non- experimental

Answer 3

Observational / Descriptive / Exploratory
Cohort study
Case control
Cross-sectional / correlational

Question 4

Randomized Clinical Trial / Randomized Controlled Trial(RCT)

Answer 4

Prospective
An intervention is intentionally applied (variable is manipulated)
Purpose is to test a hypothesis

A set of subjects is:

Identified
Sorted randomly into groups

One group receives intervention (treatment) = intervention group
One group receives no intervention (treatment) = control group

Question 5

Random allocation allows:

Answer 5

comparison of group outcomes because randomization strongly increases the likelihood of homogeneity (similarity) between the groups

a.k.a. The chance of another factor (a confounding variable) existing more frequently in one of the groups and influencing the outcomes is reduced

Question 6

To provide sufficient factor variation amongst individuals so that the groups are homogeneous require:

Answer 6

larger sample size

Design is prospective = direction of time in study is forward moving

Question 7

Advantages vs disadvantages

Answer 7

Disadvantages:

Expensive

Sometimes not ethical to have control groups that do not receive treatment

Advantages:

Can indicate causation

Question 8

Variations

Answer 8

Testing between multiple interventions

Interventions A & B, Control C

Compare 
A x C
B x C
(A + B) x C
(A x C) x (B x C)

Question 9

Non-homogeneous population

Answer 9

Use stratification

Question 10

Case Design

Answer 10

1 subject or several subjects is (are) subjected to an event or intervention and evaluated on outcome(s) of interest

Prospective study

The ‘outcome of interest’ is measured at the start of the study and after the intervention

Subject therefore acts as its own control