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Clinical Research in Mental Health
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Clinical Research in Mental Health
A Practical Guide

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May 2002 | 200 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The goal of this research methods text is to provide a practical, how-to guide in an accessible format. The authors' goal is to "demystify the research process," with a style that is informative yet easy-to-read, humorous, and user friendly. They hope to encourage students to do research early in their studies so that they see it as a natural extension of their future work.

This book is problem oriented and therefore different from any other on the subject. It addresses practical aspects of research sure to be encountered during training and thereafter. It emphasizes that research methods are appropriate to most clinical settings while dealing with many issues of clinical research that are often ignored by other research methods books.

Written simply and clearly with a minimal use of scientific jargon it provides a thorough coverage of clinical research issues with real-life examples. This book is a helpful aid for students and professionals in the healthcare and medical fields.

 
I. GETTING STARTED
 
1. An Introduction to Clinical Research
 
2. Why Do Research?
 
3. Generating Worthwhile Research Ideas & Setting an Action Plan
 
4. How to Read & Critically Evaluate Research Articles
 
5. Writing a Research Proposal
 
6. A Primer on Research Ethics
 
II. DATA & METHODS
 
7. Understanding Data
 
8. Guidelines for Collecting Sound Data
 
9. Understanding Variables
 
10. Handling Data & Using Statistics
 
III. COMMUNICATING YOUR FINDINGS
 
11. Presenting Your Findings
 
12. On Writing & Publishing

"I was most impressed with the completeness and ease of reading of this comprehensive resource for curious students and their teachers. From formulating the research question to publication of the outcome, this reader-friendly guide outlines the key elements needed for a successful first attempt at scientific investigation. Unlike most educational manuals, this book will never become obsolete. It belongs on the bookshelves of every residency and fellowship training director, academic scientist and clinician." 

R. Bruce Lydiard
Professor of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina

"So many students and professionals alike are terrified to try research and have no resource to help them. This book will ‘demystify’ the research process, thus serving this very important purpose. It is informative, easy to read, and very user friendly. A true ‘paperback’ research mentor…. My compliments to the authors. They have taken their extensive research and clinical experience and put it in an easy-to-read guide to a very difficult topic." 

Brad Riemann
Centre for Study & Treatment of Anxiety Disorders, Oconomowoc, WI

"These authors…. all have experience with research and have trained students at all levels. They also work in ‘real-world’ research settings and are familiar with many of the practical problems (and solutions) with doing research in these settings….Overall, this is a strong volume that will make a nice contribution. It is more accessible than many of the volumes on research methodology and the clinical focus will reach an important audience. The authors repeatedly ‘teach by example." This is a good strategy and they generally use it effectively." 

Debra Hope
University of Nebraska, Lincoln

easy to read, great detail and experiences, and perfect for both students and practitioners. Very good "how to" guidance, very user friendly & it makes the research process easy to understand

Mr Dean McShane
School of Health & Social Care, Chester University
December 17, 2015

I elected to use a more simple text for the research analysis and synthesis course I teach.

Dr Judith Balcerzak
Graduate Psychology, California Lutheran University
September 24, 2014

The authors have come up with a really practical structure and content for this book. It is easy to find what you are looking for, as well as understaning how it fits into the overall subject. It covers all aspects from beginning thoughts and motivation, through to publishing, in a very readable style.

Mr Mike Bancroft
Counselling, Alton College
December 2, 2011

The sections are clearly broken down so information is quick and easy to find, taking you through processes in a logical order. Part II on data and methods gives a comprehensive guide to important areas of research methods important to doing research. Clear headings and diagrams are used effectively to add to an understanding of the key issues which may arise when doing research, analysing the data, and reporting on findings. Examples of good and bad posters etc. are given which clarifies potentially confusing topics for those submitting work to be published for the first time. Overall, this book covers a good amount of information in an accessible and witty way.

Mr Mike Bancroft
Counselling, Alton College
February 7, 2011

This is an excellent textbook which provides a really clear explanation of research and how to go about beginning the process which will be very useful for undergraduate mental health nursing students across the course and particularly in their final year.

Mrs Karen McMahon
School of Health, University of West of Scotland
January 8, 2010

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