Research Methods

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Table of Contents

Introduction        

Qualitative Analysis        

Quantitative Analysis        

Conclusion        

References        

Appendices        

Appendix 1        Search Strategy        

Appendix 2        CASP Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Research        

Appendix 3      McMaster Critical Review Form – Quantitative Studies        

Introduction

One can hardly argue about the importance of research in the health care sector. Research is defined as finding answer to questions by collecting evidence from different sources that will support a logical conclusion (Dornyei 2007: 15).

Research is classified into two main types: Qualitative and Quantitative. Quantitative research is defined by a collection of information which can be analysed in numbers, where the results are portrayed using statistics. Qualitative research on the other hand is exploratory by definition and depends on feedback rather than numbers to generate case studies and summarize them (UCL.ac.uk 2016).

If research is conducted and used appropriately, it paves the way to successful implementation of life-saving actions in the medical field. Health research has a high value to society where it provides vital information such as the list depicted in figure 1.

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It is irrational to argue about the importance of research in all fields of life. However, it is important to state that not all research is deemed true and usable. Research must be valid and reliable in order to be useful. The ease of obtaining information nowadays has led to the transfer of false knowledge on a global scale. Research should be evaluated based on certain standards before being used in decision making. The implications of using false medical search could be as big as losing a life, or losing millions of dollars on developing a medicine based on research.

Critical appraisal is a very important element of evidence-based medicine. It is “the process of carefully and systematically examining research to judge its trustworthiness and its value and relevance in a particular context” (Burls 2009). In other words, it helps combat information overload and assures relevancy.

The topic chosen for this paper is Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which is one of the complications of diabetes. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels inside the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, are damaged as a result of diabetes. DR is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged between 20 and 74.