This document provides an overview of health research. It defines health research as systematically investigating physical, mental, or social well-being. Examples include studies on injury prevention, multiple sclerosis symptoms, hearing loss and age, and college binge drinking. Health research involves carefully studying subjects to discover new information and can have both societal and personal benefits. There are two main types: laboratory and population-based research. The research process involves preparing, designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and disseminating findings. Publication is more likely if the topic and methods are appropriate for the intended audience.

2. Chapter 1
The Purpose and Process of
Health Research

3. Health research is
the process of systematically investigating
a single well-defined aspect of
physical, mental, or social well-being.

4. Examples of Health Research
• Is an 8-week physical therapy program effective at
reducing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament tears in
high school athletes?
• What are the most common signs and symptoms
associated with multiple sclerosis?
• How much does the risk of severe hearing loss
increase with age?
• Which factors predict binge drinking behavior in
college and university students?

5. Definitions
• Research: the process of systematically and carefully
investigating a subject in order to learn or discover
new information about the world
• Health: a construct that extends over all aspects of
physical, mental, and social well-being
• Health researchers: people who examine the
biological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors
that contribute to health and to disease, illness,
disability, and death

6. Types of Health Research
Laboratory studies are typically conducted in the
controlled environment of a special research facility
– Molecular biology
– Microbiology
– Immunology
– Genetics
Population-based studies are typically conducted using
human subjects

7. FIGURE 1- 1 Comparison of Laboratory
and Population Health Research

8. FIGURE 1- 2
The Range of Health Research

9. Examples of Research Goals
• Identifying and classifying new health problems
• Determining risk factors for disease
• Developing and testing new interventions for
preventing or treating illness
• Evaluating the impact of health policies on health
outcomes
• Synthesizing existing knowledge so that it can be
applied by others

10. Examples of Researcher Benefits
• Acquiring new skills
• Satisfying personal curiosity
• Fulfilling degree or work requirements
• Becoming a published author
• Contributing to individual or population health

11. FIGURE 1- 3 Societal and Personal
Benefits of Health Research

12. FIGURE 1-4 The Research Process
The steps of any population health research project are:

13. Preparing to Publish
The likelihood of publication depends on:
– The appropriateness of the research topic for a
wide audience
– How well designed the study is and whether it uses
valid methods
– How compelling and well written manuscript is
If the goal is to publish the findings of a study, then the
researcher must prepare for publication at every step of
the process