Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

CHAPTER 4Scientific Method

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Scientific Method• Well conceived curiosity • Research is repeated which leads to validation

by other researchers

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Scientific MethodScience does not proveCan never prove the truth of an assumptionScientific theories are never “true”

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Step 1-Formulate Problem Statement

• Move from general perception to concise statement

Think in terms of:• What you see happening?• Why it is important?

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Step 2-Generate a Hypothesis• Hypothesis describes your belief about a

particular research problemTestable

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Algorithm illustrating the scientific method

.

hypothesis

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Step 3-Define Rejection Criteria

• Based on data, the hypothesis is rejected or accepted

• Reject hypothesis if experimental data do not meet criteria

• Clarify what can be measured

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Step 4- Make a Prediction • Make a prediction based on our hypothesis

that specifies the rejection values

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Steps 5 &6 Perform the Experiment and Test Hypothesis

• Rejection criteria determine the measurements that are required in the experiment

• The hypothesis is tested by comparing the experimental data with the rejection criteria

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Conducting Scientific Research: Initial Steps

• Develop study idea-based experiences, colleagues, etc

• Review the literature-know what has already been done

• Consult an expert-helps refine idea• Design experiment-case study, the device or

method evaluation, the clinical study

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Conducting Scientific Research: Next Steps

• Write protocol-set of instructions for investigators

• Obtain permission-need permission from your immediate supervisor and from any others who will be affected

• Collect data-think about how data will be collected, what forms will be used to record the data, and who will be responsible for it.

Handbook for Health Care Research, Second Edition Chapter 4

© 2010 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC

Conducting Scientific Research: Final Steps

• Analyze data- data summarized, advanced statistical techniques performed, and interpret findings

• Publish findings-communicate findings through reports and manuscripts