Research Methods in the Health Sciences

Book Synopsis: Research Methods in the Health Sciences provides clinical and non-clinical health science students with a comprehensive review of the designs and methods most frequently used in the discipline. Rather than preparing them to conduct original research, this text helps students develop a broad working knowledge of research processes across methodologies. Over the course of 10 chapters, students gain a strong understanding of the scientific method, evidence-based practice, deductive and inductive reasoning, ethical issues when conducting research, and the role of literature in the research process. They read about developing research problem statements and purpose statements, and asking sound research questions. Dedicated chapters illuminate how to select the right methodologies to ensure a study is valid, reliable, and trustworthy, how to understand qualitative and quantitative studies, and how to understand mixed methods research. Each chapter features field-tested tips for studying the material according to individual learning styles, as well as activities to help students develop high-order thinking skills. Written to help students develop foundational knowledge in the discipline, Research Methods in Health Sciences is an ideal resource for introductory courses in health science research methods.

Deborah Zelizer is the chair of health science and program director of the health science major at Stony Brook University. She has served as principal investigator on a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, Dissemination of a Model Program to Increase Interest in Health Professions and as a grant collaborator on a community-based telehealth project, Project C.A.R.E. She earned her doctoral degree in leadership for higher education from Capella University and her master's degree in social work from Stony Brook University.

Kathleen McGoldrick is a clinical assistant professor of health science at Stony Brook University, where she teaches courses in scholarly writing in health science, research methods in health science, and disability health and community. She has authored articles on the intersection of disability studies and health sciences and increasing awareness of disability studies in undergraduate curriculum. She holds a master's degree in library and information science from St. John's University.

Deborah Firestone is a clinical associate professor of health science at Stony Brook University, where she has served as the faculty director of the College Human Development, and the principal investigator of the Health Careers Opportunity Program. She has also served as a grant reviewer for the Department of Health and Human Service (HRSA), Health Resources and Services Administration. She earned her doctoral degree in education from St. John's University.