Designing a research project: The basics of biomedical research methodology

Abstract

Fundamental concepts of research project design are explained and illustrated for researchers and students in medicine, epidemiology, pharmacy, nursing, and other health-related professions. Step-by-step guidance is given to planning and implementing a research project aimed at specific objectives and data. Applications of the techniques also can readily be applied to the design of health surveys. Special consideration is given to deciding the type of data to collect, developing and using data collection forms, the use of repeated measure and block designs, the importance of appropriate sample size and how to determine that size, and the assignment of treatments to the study participants using randomization techniques. The research designs of 26 projects are presented and examined throughout the text. (wz)