An introduction to research for midwives / Colin Rees.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rees, Colin.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Midwifery--Research.

Midwifery.

Midwifery--Research--Methodology.

Research Design.

Methodology.

Medical Subjects:

Midwifery.

Research Design.

Physical Description:

x, 264 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh ; New York : Books for Midwives, 2003.

Summary:

Research is now a fundamental part of midwifery practice. However, not everyone finds it easy to understand the basic principles, and particularly the language of research. This book provides an answer to these frustrations. The second edition of this introductory text explores and explains the world of research from the viewpoint of both those using it and those carrying it out. In simple language and with clear examples, Colin Rees demonstrates how quantitative and qualitative research projects are constructed, and how they are evaluated. The aim of the book is to enable midwives, midwifery students and other health professionals to apply research to their own practice. It is useful for anyone, particularly students, who have to evaluate research articles or carry out a review of the literature, as it is packed with practical advice and tips that really work. An essential purchase for any student beginning research, An Introduction to Research for Midwives 2nd edition will be equally useful for those who wish to broaden their understanding of the subject and improve their use of research in practice.

Contents:

1 Why research? 1

Sources of midwifery knowledge

The limitations of research

Quantitative and qualitative research

Levels of questions in research

Variables

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks

Reliability, validity, bias and rigour

3 The basic framework of research 23

Stage 1 The research question

Stage 2 Reviewing the literature

Stage 3 Planning the study

Stage 4 Pilot

Stage 5 Data collection

Stage 6 Data analysis

Stage 8 Communication of findings

4 Qualitative research approaches 35

The rise of qualitative research in midwifery

The contrast between quantitative and qualitative research

Planning

Data collection

Data analysis and interpretation

Qualitative research within midwifery

Feminist research

5 Critiquing research articles 55

Applying the critiquing framework

Aim (terms of reference)

Main findings

In the end

Critiquing qualitative research

6 Reviewing the literature 71

The process of reviewing the literature

Finding the literature

Extracting relevant details

Common questions

Writing the review

7 The research question 86

The role of the research question

Types of research questions

Constructing a research question

The hypothesis

8 Ethics and research 96

The meaning of ethics

Historical development

Nursing and midwifery guidelines

Research Ethics Committees (RECs)

Ethical principles concerning basic human rights

Problems in research

9 Surveys 112

The use of questionnaires

Questionnaire design

10 Interviews 126

Interview structure

Advantages of interviews

Planning the interview

Interviewing skills

When things go wrong

11 Observation 139

Why use observation?

Participant and non-participant observation

Recording in observational studies

Advantages

Problems in observation

12 Experiments 154

Why are experiments special?

Characteristics of experimental design

Types of experiments

Threats to validity

Quasiexperimental and ex post facto designs

Ex post facto studies

13 Statistics in research 172

Two types of statistic

Descriptive statistics

Levels of measurement

Summarizing descriptive data: measures of central tendency

Measures of central tendency: the standard deviation

Normal distribution

Presentation of descriptive results

How to read tables?

Tables from randomized control trials (RCTs)

Making sense of bar charts and pie charts

Inferential statistics

Correlation

Calculating correlation

Multiple regression

Tests of significance

14 Sampling methods 201

Why sample?

Inclusion exclusion criteria

Sampling methods

Experimental sampling approaches

Quasi-experimental and ex post facto designs

Survey methods

Qualitative approaches

Sample size

15 The challenge of the future 219

Closing the credibility gap

Why is there so little midwifery research?

Why don't midwives make more use of research?

How can we improve the situation?

How can we develop a dynamic research culture in midwifery?.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0750653515

OCLC:

51172054