Research Methods - Introduction

Summary

In this global health video, Greg Martin explores the intersection of epidemiological and social science research methods, emphasizing the importance of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. He explains that qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through questions like 'who' and 'why,' while quantitative research measures magnitude and relationships. Martin outlines various research techniques, including observation, interviews, surveys, and studies like case-controls and cohort studies, promising deeper dives into these methods in future videos.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The channel focuses on global health, with Greg Martin as the host.
• 🔍 The videos will explore study design and research methods in various fields.
• 🧬 Epidemiological research and social sciences like anthropology are key areas of focus.
• 🤔 The goal is to understand how different research types contribute to clinical and public health decisions.
• 📊 Research methods are typically divided into qualitative and quantitative.
• 👥 Qualitative research is often associated with social sciences and anthropologists.
• 📈 Quantitative research is often linked to epidemiologists and economists.
• 🔎 Both groups actually use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• 🗣️ Qualitative research answers 'who, what, why, when, and how' questions.
• 📊 Quantitative research focuses on 'how much', including incidence, prevalence, and relationships.
• 🔬 Examples of qualitative research methods include observations, interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
• 🧐 Quantitative research methods include interventional and non-interventional studies, such as case-control, cohort studies, ecological studies, and surveys.
• 📹 Future videos will delve deeper into specific study designs and research methods.
• 🔔 Subscribing to the channel provides updates and exclusive content related to global health job opportunities and consulting.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video series presented by Greg Martin?

The video series focuses on study design and research methods in global health, aiming to provide insights into how different kinds of research contribute to clinical and public health decisions.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research as discussed in the script?

Qualitative research is concerned with understanding the nature and qualities of phenomena, answering questions like who, what, why, when, and how. Quantitative research, on the other hand, focuses on the magnitude or 'how much' of an occurrence or relationship.

What are the typical disciplines associated with qualitative research according to the script?

Qualitative research is typically associated with social scientists, anthropologists, and other professionals who aim to understand the underlying nature of phenomena.

What types of questions does quantitative research aim to answer?

Quantitative research aims to answer questions related to the incidence or prevalence of a disease in a community and the magnitude of relationships, such as between a risk factor and an outcome.

What are some examples of qualitative research methods mentioned in the script?

Qualitative research methods mentioned include simple observation, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

What are the two main categories of quantitative research described in the script?

The two main categories of quantitative research are interventional and non-interventional. Non-interventional research is observational, while interventional research involves some form of intervention.

What is the difference between case-control studies and cohort studies as hinted in the script?

The script suggests that future videos will discuss the differences between case-control studies and cohort studies, which are both types of observational studies used in quantitative research.

What is an ecological study as mentioned in the script?

An ecological study is a type of observational research that analyzes the distribution and patterns of health-related events in defined populations.

What is the most commonly discussed type of interventional trial in the script?

The script mentions that the most commonly discussed type of interventional trial is the randomized control trial, including double-blind randomized control trials.

Why might someone subscribe to Greg Martin's YouTube channel according to the script?

Subscribing to the channel provides email alerts for new videos and access to exclusive content, particularly for those interested in job opportunities and consulting work in global health.

What kind of additional videos can subscribers expect to find on Greg Martin's channel?

Subscribers can expect to find less formal, less flashy videos that discuss job opportunities and current happenings in the global health workspace.