Topic 3 DQ 1:
Describe common methods for gathering data and evidence in health and science research.
Since data and evidence can come from many different sources in science research, how do
you determine if a source is valid and reliable?
Gathering data and evidence is the most vital phase in conducting health and science research.
There are two fundamental methods in gathering information, known as qualitive and
quantitative research. However, both qualitive and quantitative approaches can be branched into
different subcategory of study methods. For instance, common methods in collecting qualitive
and quantitative data are questionaries, polls, interviews, focus groups, patient reports, clinical
documents and records, direct observations, and experiments. Each method allows the research
to gain and collect data for examination, using the collect information to draw educated
conclusions. However, since data and evidence can come from various of sources the researcher
must determine if the source is credible and valid. Before determining what makes a source
valid, the individual must identify if the information is comparable to current knowledge,
without personal bias, trustworthy, and reviewed by other health experts. Reliable sources
provide thorough, well-rounded, arguments and discussions. Therefore, if an organization is
promoting research that would financially benefit the organization and was reviewed solely by
the organization’s employees, it is more than likely that the source unreliable.
Topic 3 DQ 2:
Compare and contrast the role of case studies, focus groups, and interviews in health care
research projects. Which method is most effective for gathering information?
Healthcare research can be conducted using various of methods. Some of the most common
methods are case studies, focus groups, and interviews. Each method playing a role in healthcare
research projects. The purpose of case studies is to thoroughly examine specific issues of a
person or a group of people or a unit. Whereas focus groups are used to interact with the group
and promote interaction between group members to engage in a discussion, mainly to understand
perspectives. However, this is not to be confused with interviews, which are open-ended
questions conducted to better understand the depth of information that was collected. In my
personal opinion, I think that the most effective and reliable method would be case studies since
the information gathered is typically based of evidence instead of opinion or dialogue.
Topic 3 DQ 3:
What is data? Why is it important to research? How is it used in qualitative research? How
is it used in quantitative research?
Data is an essential component of effective and efficient research. According to Polgar and
Thomas (2019, pg. 10) data and evidence is the result of a study that gathers and analyzes
evidence to produce a solution to the research problem or concern. Research data is any
information that can be observational, experimental, simulated, and compiled. In quantitative
Describe common methods for gathering data and evidence in health and science research.
Since data and evidence can come from many different sources in science research, how do
you determine if a source is valid and reliable?
Gathering data and evidence is the most vital phase in conducting health and science research.
There are two fundamental methods in gathering information, known as qualitive and
quantitative research. However, both qualitive and quantitative approaches can be branched into
different subcategory of study methods. For instance, common methods in collecting qualitive
and quantitative data are questionaries, polls, interviews, focus groups, patient reports, clinical
documents and records, direct observations, and experiments. Each method allows the research
to gain and collect data for examination, using the collect information to draw educated
conclusions. However, since data and evidence can come from various of sources the researcher
must determine if the source is credible and valid. Before determining what makes a source
valid, the individual must identify if the information is comparable to current knowledge,
without personal bias, trustworthy, and reviewed by other health experts. Reliable sources
provide thorough, well-rounded, arguments and discussions. Therefore, if an organization is
promoting research that would financially benefit the organization and was reviewed solely by
the organization’s employees, it is more than likely that the source unreliable.
Topic 3 DQ 2:
Compare and contrast the role of case studies, focus groups, and interviews in health care
research projects. Which method is most effective for gathering information?
Healthcare research can be conducted using various of methods. Some of the most common
methods are case studies, focus groups, and interviews. Each method playing a role in healthcare
research projects. The purpose of case studies is to thoroughly examine specific issues of a
person or a group of people or a unit. Whereas focus groups are used to interact with the group
and promote interaction between group members to engage in a discussion, mainly to understand
perspectives. However, this is not to be confused with interviews, which are open-ended
questions conducted to better understand the depth of information that was collected. In my
personal opinion, I think that the most effective and reliable method would be case studies since
the information gathered is typically based of evidence instead of opinion or dialogue.
Topic 3 DQ 3:
What is data? Why is it important to research? How is it used in qualitative research? How
is it used in quantitative research?
Data is an essential component of effective and efficient research. According to Polgar and
Thomas (2019, pg. 10) data and evidence is the result of a study that gathers and analyzes
evidence to produce a solution to the research problem or concern. Research data is any
information that can be observational, experimental, simulated, and compiled. In quantitative
