Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences

The advancement of knowledge and practice in health care depends on the education of individuals who are competent in undertaking health research and evaluations. Research is fundamental to the health sciences. Technological advances and an increasing demand to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality of health services have ensured that research is a high priority for the health care industry.
Consistent with the previous versions, the fifth edition of An Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences has two overall aims. 1) To introduce the fundamental principles of research methodology and explain how these principles are applied for conducting research in the health sciences. 2) To demonstrate how evidence produced through research is applied to solving problems in everday health care.
This book is written in an accessible style. It maintains the traditions of the previous editions, with examples, questions, feedback sections, and an extensive glossary.
In addition, this new edition:

includes a chapter focussing on the use of qualitative methods in health research

includes a chapter for discussing systematic reviews and meta-analyses

contains more revision questions

contains updated figures

As a second year student with a research proposal looming, this book will prove extremely useful. The chapters are laid out in a logical and easy to follow way, and explanations of key areas are easily understandable.

The self assessment sections allow the student to track their progress and check their understanding. Overall, I would recommend this book to any student, like myself, who finds the thought of research methods frightening!!!!

- Laura Culpan, Physiotherapy Student, University of Bradford, UK.

Polgar and Thomas's `Introduction To Research Methods In The Health Sciences' is an excellent book for any student within health science who needs to complete a dissertation/ final year project or even those who desire to understand more about research.

The layout takes the reader logically through the stages of research: Planning, design, Data collection and statistics directed by a clear contents, index and glossary. Chapters are nicely broken down into specific topics so it is easier to read and find exactly what you are looking for. Use of colour and text add to the ease of use. The summaries at the end of each chapter are great if you want to get a feel for an area of research without reading the entire chapter. And the self assessment section at the end of each chapter is a great way to ensure you have understood the content and can apply it. Use of tables and graphs break down the text, again making for ease of use and are also a tool for aiding understanding of the theories/ practicalities of research and how they are applied. There is also an excellent chapter on critical evaluation of research which is especially useful when considering evidenced based practice and the true value of research.

Nick Downing, Physiotherapy Student, University of Birmingham