NUTR 5350 Research Methods Exam |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1 with correct answers
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Research
Systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information/data to extend |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
knowledge
Systematic process typically refers to scientific method |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Scientific Method |||\\\
Literature Review |||\\\
Done before scientific method process begins.|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Gather information from common body of publicized knowledge, find gaps of knowledge and
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
aims of study |||\\\ |||\\\
Define the Problem |||\\\ |||\\\
Consider and develop a specific research question designed to shed light on a current or |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
potential problem. Establishes a relationship between two or more variables. Explains the |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
problem and provides context for why the research is needed. |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Problem Statement |||\\\
Based on review of research already completed (literature review). Prior research provides the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
foundation of what is known on a topic |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Develop research question and/or objective or hypothesis |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Clear, objective establishes the purpose of the study and is determined after the literature
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
review. Identifies key variables. Hypothesis is a statement of what the researchers predict is the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
relationship between two or more variables, and must be able to be tested.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Develop research design and methods |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Determine appropriate methods to collect data, and determine method for data analysis |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
i. Pre-clinical: molecular or animal models
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
ii. Secondary data analysis (NHANES)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
,iii. Cross-sectional (collection at one point in time, epidemiological)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
iv. Longitudinal (participants are observed and multiple measurements are made over a long
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
period of time- epidemiological) |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1. Prospective |||\\\
2. Retrospective |||\\\
Implement study, collect and analyze data |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
a. Goal is to produce reproducible and accurate data to address the research goal in question
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
i. Use manipulated and measured variables/ settings/ methods (statistical analysis, participant
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
selection, ect) |||\\\
ii. Different tools and techniques to obtain data (questionnaires, case studies, interviews, ect)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Interpret results and draw conclusions |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
a. measurement devices to interpret data, division of groups (experimental vs control),
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
identification of confounding variables. Comparison of results to other studies in published |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
body of knowledge. |||\\\ |||\\\
Disseminate findings |||\\\
publications in journals, if preliminary data is not ready for publishing- use poster presentations |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
at conferences, workshops and meetings. Oral presentations or press releases to the media.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Hypothesis
1. Statement of what the researchers predict is the relationship between variables identified in
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
the objectives/problem statement. Must be testable.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Independent variable |||\\\
What the researcher manipulates, unaltered by other variables that are measured. Researchers
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
want to see if other things change as a result of the independent variables
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Dependent variable |||\\\
1. Outcomes measured, depend on other factors. Do changes/lack of changes on the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
dependent variable depend on the value of the independent variable. |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Primary research |||\\\
original, a single study designed and conducted by the researchers themselves |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Secondary research |||\\\
, narrative reviews. Organize, interpret and summarize evidence from a number of primary
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
studies in a particular research area |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
tertiary research |||\\\
includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Considered more rigorous than
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
secondary/narrative reviews |||\\\
systematic reviews |||\\\
Collect and distill information from both primary and secondary sources. Uses reputable
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
science/publishers
meta-analysis
Further from a systematic review, uses statistics |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
variables
1. Measured, controlled or manipulated in research (BMI, social support, decrease in tumor
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
size, changes in biomarkers, ect). Can be categorial or continuous.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
key variables |||\\\
i. characteristics that take on different values/quantifiable (measured, controlled, manipulated,
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
categorial or continuous) |||\\\ |||\\\
experimental group |||\\\
receives treatment/intervention |||\\\
control group |||\\\
Depends on research design (can receive no intervention or infrequent interventions, for
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
example)
confounding variables (extraneous variables) |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1. factors other than the variables being studied that might influence the outcome of the study.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Can lead to incorrect conclusions.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
purpose of research |||\\\ |||\\\
1. explore, describe, analyze, predict- the purpose determines the design
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
exploratory research |||\\\
understand more about a problem that is not well understood, often based on qualitative |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
research and descriptive studies |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1 with correct answers
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Research
Systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information/data to extend |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
knowledge
Systematic process typically refers to scientific method |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Scientific Method |||\\\
Literature Review |||\\\
Done before scientific method process begins.|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Gather information from common body of publicized knowledge, find gaps of knowledge and
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
aims of study |||\\\ |||\\\
Define the Problem |||\\\ |||\\\
Consider and develop a specific research question designed to shed light on a current or |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
potential problem. Establishes a relationship between two or more variables. Explains the |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
problem and provides context for why the research is needed. |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Problem Statement |||\\\
Based on review of research already completed (literature review). Prior research provides the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
foundation of what is known on a topic |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Develop research question and/or objective or hypothesis |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Clear, objective establishes the purpose of the study and is determined after the literature
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
review. Identifies key variables. Hypothesis is a statement of what the researchers predict is the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
relationship between two or more variables, and must be able to be tested.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Develop research design and methods |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Determine appropriate methods to collect data, and determine method for data analysis |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
i. Pre-clinical: molecular or animal models
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
ii. Secondary data analysis (NHANES)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
,iii. Cross-sectional (collection at one point in time, epidemiological)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
iv. Longitudinal (participants are observed and multiple measurements are made over a long
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
period of time- epidemiological) |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1. Prospective |||\\\
2. Retrospective |||\\\
Implement study, collect and analyze data |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
a. Goal is to produce reproducible and accurate data to address the research goal in question
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
i. Use manipulated and measured variables/ settings/ methods (statistical analysis, participant
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
selection, ect) |||\\\
ii. Different tools and techniques to obtain data (questionnaires, case studies, interviews, ect)
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Interpret results and draw conclusions |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
a. measurement devices to interpret data, division of groups (experimental vs control),
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
identification of confounding variables. Comparison of results to other studies in published |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
body of knowledge. |||\\\ |||\\\
Disseminate findings |||\\\
publications in journals, if preliminary data is not ready for publishing- use poster presentations |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
at conferences, workshops and meetings. Oral presentations or press releases to the media.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Hypothesis
1. Statement of what the researchers predict is the relationship between variables identified in
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
the objectives/problem statement. Must be testable.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Independent variable |||\\\
What the researcher manipulates, unaltered by other variables that are measured. Researchers
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
want to see if other things change as a result of the independent variables
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Dependent variable |||\\\
1. Outcomes measured, depend on other factors. Do changes/lack of changes on the
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
dependent variable depend on the value of the independent variable. |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Primary research |||\\\
original, a single study designed and conducted by the researchers themselves |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Secondary research |||\\\
, narrative reviews. Organize, interpret and summarize evidence from a number of primary
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
studies in a particular research area |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
tertiary research |||\\\
includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Considered more rigorous than
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
secondary/narrative reviews |||\\\
systematic reviews |||\\\
Collect and distill information from both primary and secondary sources. Uses reputable
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
science/publishers
meta-analysis
Further from a systematic review, uses statistics |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
variables
1. Measured, controlled or manipulated in research (BMI, social support, decrease in tumor
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
size, changes in biomarkers, ect). Can be categorial or continuous.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
key variables |||\\\
i. characteristics that take on different values/quantifiable (measured, controlled, manipulated,
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
categorial or continuous) |||\\\ |||\\\
experimental group |||\\\
receives treatment/intervention |||\\\
control group |||\\\
Depends on research design (can receive no intervention or infrequent interventions, for
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
example)
confounding variables (extraneous variables) |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
1. factors other than the variables being studied that might influence the outcome of the study.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
Can lead to incorrect conclusions.
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
purpose of research |||\\\ |||\\\
1. explore, describe, analyze, predict- the purpose determines the design
|||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
exploratory research |||\\\
understand more about a problem that is not well understood, often based on qualitative |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
research and descriptive studies |||\\\ |||\\\ |||\\\
