Skewed Studies: Exploring the Limits and Flaws of Health and Psychology Research

by Sally Kuykendall

Overview

In these uncertain times, how much can you trust health news? Is the research behind breaking headlines reliable? This book is an indispensable resource for students and general readers, helping them evaluate and think critically about health information.

"People Who Drink Coffee Live Longer." "Students Learn Better When Listening to Classical Music." "Scientists Discover the Gene That Causes Obesity." We are constantly bombarded with reports of "groundbreaking" health findings that use attention-grabbing headlines and seem to be backed by credible science. Yet many of these studies and the news articles that discuss them fall prey to a variety of problems that can produce misleading and inaccurate results. Some of these may be easy to notice—like a research study on the benefits of red meat funded by the beef industry, or a study with a sample size of only 10 people—but others are much harder to spot.

Skewed Studies: Exploring the Limits and Flaws of Health and Psychology Research examines the most pervasive problems plaguing health research and reporting today, using clear, accessible language and employing real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. Beyond simply outlining issues, it provides readers with the knowledge and skills to evaluate research studies and news reports for themselves, improving their health literacy and critical thinking skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440863981
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/19/2020
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Sally Kuykendall, PhD, is professor of health services, a researcher, an independent evaluator of public health programs, and a former nurse living in Philadelphia, PA.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
ONE The Scientific Method
TWO Human Participant Protections
THREE The Literature Review
FOUR Study Design
FIVE Study Sample
SIX Study Instruments and Data Collection
SEVEN Data Analysis and Drawing Conclusions
EIGHT Communicating Study Findings
NINE Solutions
Guide to Evaluating Health and Psychology Studies
Directory of Resources
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

06/01/2020

Defining research misconduct as "an intentional act of deceit performed within the scope of research activities," Kuykendall (Bullying) emphasizes that valid research is a creative endeavor unrestrained by mandatory methods or procedures, does not have to adhere to the scientific method, and relies upon honesty, integrity, and verifiable results. This nine-chapter treatise discusses the scientific method, use of human participants, literature review, and study design through data analysis and reporting. Kuykendall also presents discussions and examples of types of reasoning (deductive, abductive, inductive), studies (longitudinal, qualitative, clinical trials), and a variety of research misconduct. Discussion and examples of research misconduct include conflict of interest; misrepresenting data; misreporting results; favoring personal values, beliefs, or industries; and dropping or falsifying data in collection or reporting. Each chapter ends with a current bibliography of print and nonprint resources. VERDICT An excellent, nontechnical overview of the scientific research process for undergraduate and graduate students. While the detailed index enables use as a quick reference title, the book is most effective when read as a treatise.—Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Library Journal

An excellent, nontechnical overview of the scientific research process for undergraduate and graduate students.” —Library Jourbanal

“Recommended. All readers.” —Choice

From the Publisher