| R | research method and research organization b-out d-out qh |
| RT | +JA2.4e prevention research qh ah | |
| +JA2.6e treatment research qh ah |
| RA | general topics in research d-out qh |
| RT | +JA2.4e prevention research qh ah |
| RA2 | research in general qh |
| ST | scientific investigation | |
| scientific research |
| RA4 | definitions and theories qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. | |
| RT | +AJe theory of AODU qh ah | |
| +NA12.4.8e vocabulary qh ah |
| RA6 | paradigm qh |
| SN | Set of concepts, assumptions, propositions, and procedures used as models to guide scientific research. |
| RA8 | interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RA8.2 | . interdisciplinary research qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RA8.4 | . multidisciplinary research qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RA10e | research agenda qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | research needs | |
| research priorities | ||
| research program | ||
| RT | NM16.2 program announcement qh ah | |
| +RB8 research organization qh ah |
| RA12e | research issue qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | research question | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RA14e | research outcome qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | research results | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RA14.4 | . generalizability of research results qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RA14.6 | . policy implications of research qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RA16e | scientific disagreement qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. |
| RA18e | research quality qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | methodological quality | |
| RT | +RM22e assessment of variables and methods qh ah |
| RA18.6e | . hierarchy of evidence qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | The strongest evidence for the effectiveness of a preventive intervention is obtained from multiple randomized controlled trials, including large scale field trials. In the middle of the hierarchy is evidence from well-controlled trials without randomization. The weakest evidence is evidence suggested by respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, prior service delivery programs, or reports by expert committees. |
| RA20e | research ethics qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | For prevention and treatment research, this involves the following issues, among others: minimized risks to subjects; reasonable risks to subjects in relation to anticipated benefits; equitable selection of subjects, particularly when there is already a strong presumption that the intervention will benefit the subjects; informed consent is sought and properly documented; monitoring data collection to assure the safety of subjects; adequate provision to protect the privacy of the subjects and maintain the confidentiality of the data. | |
| BT | +MY2e ethics qh ah | |
| RT | +RJ study subject qh ah |
| RA20.2 | . human subject protection qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah | |
| +RLe sample selection qh ah |
| RA22e | research in practice qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Studies on the application of research findings; role of research in practice. | |
| ST | application of research | |
| NT | ND2.6 information transfer from research to practice qh ah |
| RB | research organization and management d-out qh |
| SN | General discussion of research planning, funding, problems, direction, and needs. | |
| RT | +JA2.2e health services research qh ah | |
| +JA2.4e prevention research qh ah | ||
| +MP18e public policy qh ah | ||
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah | ||
| +S field, discipline, or occupation qh ah |
| RB2 | research project management qh |
| RT | +MQ8.2e program planning qh ah |
| RB2.2 | . collaborative study qh |
| RB4e | research funding qh |
| ST | research opportunity | |
| NT | JV6.6.4 health care research funding qh ah | |
| BT | +MQ12.12e funding qh ah | |
| RT | JE10e demonstration programs qh ah |
| RB4.2 | . research funding source qh |
| ST | research funding organization | |
| BT | +MQ12.12.4e funding source qh ah | |
| RT | +MP26 political unit qh ah |
| RB4.4 | . research funding recipient qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. | |
| ST | research grantee | |
| BT | +MQ12.12.6 funding recipient qh ah |
| RB4.6 | . type of research funding qh |
| RT | +NF14.4 education funding qh ah |
| RB4.6.2 | . . research grants qh |
| RB6e | research dissemination qh |
| RB8 | research organization qh |
| ST | research center | |
| RT | RA10e research agenda qh ah |
| RB8.2 | . research facility qh |
| RT | JT14.4.6 university hospital qh ah |
| RCe | research and evaluation method d-out qh |
| ST | evaluation method | |
| evaluation technique | ||
| research method | ||
| NT | +MA2.20 methodological approach to society and culture qh ah | |
| +PD12 epidemiological method qh ah | ||
| +RD type of research study qh ah | ||
| +RE environment of study qh ah | ||
| +RF purpose of study qh ah | ||
| +RG time scope of study qh ah | ||
| +RJ study subject qh ah | ||
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah | ||
| +RLe sample selection qh ah | ||
| +RMe variable, characteristic, factor qh ah | ||
| +RPe data collection qh ah | ||
| +RQe data analysis method qh ah | ||
| +RRe qualitative research method qh ah | ||
| +RS models and simulation qh ah | ||
| RT | +CQ physical and chemical analysis and measurement qh ah | |
| +FV24e knowledge acquisition method qh ah | ||
| +HB AODU screening, identification, and diagnostic method qh ah | ||
| +HCe medical screening and diagnostic method qh ah | ||
| +HHe psychosocial screening and diagnostic method qh ah | ||
| +JA2.2e health services research qh ah | ||
| +JA8.4e needs assessment qh ah | ||
| +JA8.6 community risk and needs assessment qh ah | ||
| MQ8.2.2 planning method qh ah | ||
| MR2.2 market research qh ah | ||
| +MT6 analytical method in economics qh ah | ||
| +PDe epidemiology qh ah |
| RD | type of research study d-out qh |
| HN | Changed descriptor 2000; through 1999 use "study type." | |
| SN | A general characterization of a study, based on more specific methodological characteristics. Research methodologies are detailed in the remainder of the research methods classification. | |
| ST | research project | |
| research study | ||
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +NK document or presentation by content and format qh ah | |
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RD2e | . empirical study qh |
| RD2.2e | . . statistical data qh |
| SN | Use for documents that report statistical data. | |
| NT | NM44 data set qh ah | |
| RT | +NL4 non-fiction qh ah | |
| +RM10 individual vs group variable qh ah | ||
| +RQ8e quantitative data analysis qh ah |
| RD2.2.2e | . . . individual-level statistical data qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RD2.2.4e | . . . aggregate-level statistical data qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RD2.4 | . . experiment qh |
| SN | A study in which one or more independent variables are controlled through manipulation; that is, the experimenter varies the values for these variables and observes the effects of this variation. Includes studies with an experimental group (also called treatment group) and a control group. | |
| ST | experimental research | |
| experimental study | ||
| experimentation | ||
| BT | +RK2.6.4e controlled study qh ah | |
| RT | +RE2e laboratory study qh ah | |
| +RE4e field study qh ah | ||
| +RE6e clinical study qh ah |
| RD2.4.2e | . . . trial study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| BT | +FV22e evaluation qh ah | |
| +RF2.6e evaluation study qh ah | ||
| RT | +RE6e clinical study qh ah |
| RD2.4.2.2e | . . . . randomized controlled trial qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RD2.4.2.2.2 | . . . . . confirmatory trial qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RD2.4.2.2.4 | . . . . . replication trial qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +RD10.8e replication study qh ah |
| RD2.4.2.4e | . . . . controlled trial without randomization qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | RD2.6.2e case-control study qh ah |
| RD2.4.2.6e | . . . . large-scale field trial qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +RE4e field study qh ah |
| RD2.4.2.8e | . . . . prevention trial qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Assesses the capacity of a preventive intervention to avoid part or all of the elements of an etiological chain and most notably the occurrence of the disorder of interest. Focus on such questions as the effects of the intervention on its recipients; the differential effectiveness of its components; the differential response of population subgroups; and the assessment of the intervention's temporal characteristics (e.g., latency between the intervention and appearance of its effects; duration of those effects; requisite duration of involvement in the intervention). By necessity, such trials are field-based and require that the researcher be sensitive to the unique demands of the settings involved in the trial. | |
| ST | intervention trial | |
| preventive trial |
| RD2.4.2.10e | . . . . clinical trial qh |
| SN | A planned experiment designed to assess the efficacy of a treatment in humans by comparing the outcomes in a group of patients receiving the test treatment with those observed in a comparable group of patients receiving a control treatment. Patients in both groups are enrolled, treated, and followed over the same time period. | |
| BT | +RE6e clinical study qh ah | |
| +RJ8.2e individual as study subject qh ah |
| RD2.6 | . . quasi-experimental study qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | quasi-experimental research design |
| RD2.6.2e | . . . case-control study qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A study in which one or more independent variables are controlled through selection of the subjects; that is, the researcher selects subjects that fall into two or more classes according to the
values of the variables to be studied, usually just two classes: those exhibiting a condition (the cases) and those free of the condition (the controls). Used especially when a randomized study is
not possible.
In case-control studies, the investigators begin at the end, rather than at the beginning, of the cause-effect pathway. The cases are selected from the persons in whom the target disease has already developed. The controls are selected from persons in whom that disease has not been noted. The cases and controls are then investigated backward in time, with inquiries intended to determine antecedent exposure to agents that may have caused the disease. If the ratio of antecedent exposure to a particular agent is higher in the cases than in the controls, and if the effect is statistically significant, the agent is suspected of having caused the disease. | |
| BT | +RG4.2e retrospective study qh ah | |
| RT | MT10.4.2.4e attributable risk qh ah | |
| RD2.4.2.4e controlled trial without randomization qh ah |
| RD2.8e | . . qualitative study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| BT | +RRe qualitative research method qh ah |
| RD2.10e | . . survey qh |
| SN | A study with many units of analysis (i.e., subjects or respondents), often drawn as a sample from a population and usually collecting a limited amount of data from or about each unit, using data collection methods that are feasible for a large number of units. | |
| NT | RJ8.2.4e household survey qh ah | |
| RT | +MP26 political unit qh ah | |
| +PVe geographical area qh ah |
| RD2.10.2e | . . . social survey qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | A survey of individuals using *+RP12 data collection from mental responses* qh ah. "Survey" alone often is used with the meaning of social survey. | |
| ST | demographic study | |
| poll | ||
| survey research | ||
| BT | +RJ8.2e individual as study subject qh ah |
| RD2.10.2.2 | . . . . general population survey qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +T2 general population qh ah |
| RD2.12e | . . case study qh |
| SN | A study with one or more units of analysis (i.e., cases) that are studied in-depth. Usually restricted to a small number of units of analysis to make in-depth study feasible. | |
| RT | +RRe qualitative research method qh ah |
| RD2.12.2e | . . . case history qh |
| SN | The information that has been recorded about an individual, family, group, or community. The term is most often used in social work agencies and in sociological, medical, and psychiatric studies. | |
| ST | case report | |
| BT | +RQ2e description qh ah | |
| RT | +JN2.4e patient history qh ah |
| RD4e | . theoretical study qh |
| RD6 | . study of one area, group, or program qh |
| ST | one-group design |
| RD8 | . research involving two or more groups qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. | |
| ST | multiple group designs |
| RD8.2e | . . comparative study qh |
| SN | A study that compares and contrasts results from individual (sub)studies that deal with the same group or program at different times or, more commonly, with different geographical areas, groups, or
programs.
In a broad sense, all research is comparative. This descriptor should be used in a more restrictive sense for comparison of groups that exist before the study is started, particularly for groups that have some degree of identity or cohesion or for groups that are defined by geographical area or political subdivision. By extension, this descriptor also is used to index studies that compare two or more programs. The descriptor is particularly applicable when each group or program is studied separately using the same study design. The descriptor definitely should not be used for studies just because they compare an experimental group with a control group; these groups are created by the researcher. In combination with this descriptor, consider descriptors such as *TE2 gender differences* qh ah. Comparison between humans and other organisms should also be indexed here. | |
| ST | comparative analysis | |
| comparison study | ||
| RT | +MA2.4 anthropology qh ah | |
| +RD10.8e replication study qh ah | ||
| +RK2.6.4e controlled study qh ah |
| RD8.4e | . . cross-cultural study qh |
| RD10 | . research involving two or more studies qh |
| SN | The purpose of research synthesis is to draw valid conclusions from collections of studies | |
| ST | research synthesis |
| RD10.2e | . . survey of research qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | narrative analysis | |
| narrative review | ||
| state-of-the-art survey | ||
| RT | +NM26e literature review qh ah |
| RD10.4e | . . meta-analysis qh |
| HN | Through 1995 use metanalysis. | |
| SN | A study that combines data from several studies or analyzes results from several studies to arrive at new results or confirm existing results with a higher degree of confidence. Can be a study of one time or group or a longitudinal or comparative study. Do not confuse with *+NM26 literature review* qh ah. | |
| ST | analysis of existing data | |
| secondary data analysis |
| RD10.6e | . . cross-study comparability qh |
| SN | Comparability of data and analysis results from two or more studies. This is important for meta-analysis that combines data from studies dealing with the same group and for comparative studies using meta-analysis of existing studies that deal with two or more groups or programs. |
| RD10.8e | . . replication study qh |
| SN | A study that repeats an experiment or survey under similar or under different circumstances for measuring the same quantity twice or, more generally, for determining whether results match the results of the first study. In contrast, a *RD8.2 comparative study* qh ah looks for differences between areas or groups, and a *+RG2.4 longitudinal study* qh ah looks for differences over time. | |
| NT | RD2.4.2.2.4 replication trial qh ah |
| RE | environment of study d-out qh |
| SN | Place where data are collected. | |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah |
| RE2e | . laboratory study qh |
| NT | +RJ2 chemical substance as study subject qh ah | |
| +RJ4e histologic study qh ah | ||
| RT | +RD2.4 experiment qh ah | |
| +WL4.6e experimental animal qh ah |
| RE2.2e | . . in vitro study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. |
| RE2.4e | . . in vivo study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. |
| RE4e | . field study qh |
| SN | A study undertaken in a natural setting rather than a laboratory or other structured environment. If appropriate, combine this term with a descriptor for the site of the study, such as *+LN34 workplace context* qh ah if the field study occurred in the workplace. | |
| NT | RD2.4.2.6e large-scale field trial qh ah | |
| RT | +MA2.20 methodological approach to society and culture qh ah | |
| +RD2.4 experiment qh ah | ||
| +RPe data collection qh ah | ||
| RP10.2e participant observation qh ah |
| RE6e | . clinical study qh |
| SN | A study that uses human subjects in a clinical context (e.g., in experimental treatment). Do not use this term to express the concept of "clinical characteristics." For clinical characteristics of a disorder, use *+GA6.4 disorder definition* qh ah. | |
| ST | clinical investigation | |
| clinical research | ||
| NT | RD2.4.2.10e clinical trial qh ah | |
| BT | +RJ8.2e individual as study subject qh ah |
| RE8e | . forensic study qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. | |
| RT | +MO6e justice system process and procedures qh ah |
| RE10e | . postmortem study qh |
| NT | HD12.4e autopsy qh ah |
| RF | purpose of study d-out qh |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +JA8 risk and needs assessment qh ah |
| RF2 | . research and evaluation qh |
| RF2.2e | . . research qh |
| ST | inquiry |
| RF2.2.2 | . . . basic research qh |
| SN | Research driven by the aim of gaining knowledge on laws and phenomena in nature and society rather than by the direct applicability of results. |
| RF2.2.4e | . . . applied research qh |
| SN | Research driven by the aim of gaining knowledge for direct application to specified practical problems. |
| RF2.4e | . . validation study qh |
| SN | A study to determine the reliability and/or validity of variables, measurements, or methods.
Use this descriptor if the process of testing validity and reliability is discussed. However, if the validity or reliability is discussed without actually discussing the process of how it was determined, use *+RM22 assessment of variables and methods* qh ah or one of its narrower terms. | |
| ST | test validation | |
| BT | +RM22e assessment of variables and methods qh ah |
| RF2.6e | . . evaluation study qh |
| HN | Changed descriptor 2000; through 1999 use "evaluation". | |
| ST | effectiveness assessment | |
| efficacy assessment | ||
| evaluation research | ||
| outcome assessment | ||
| NT | +RD2.4.2e trial study qh ah | |
| BT | +FV22e evaluation qh ah | |
| RT | +JP14e treatment outcome qh ah |
| RF2.6.4e | . . . follow-up study qh |
| SN | Studies that collect data from a group of individuals on the activities, progress, attitudes, etc., after some treatment or following their participation in a program, course of study, guidance process, etc., for the purpose of deriving conclusions on the effectiveness of the treatment or program. Do not confuse with *JP22.2 treatment follow-up* qh ah, which assesses individual patients at some time after treatment and takes appropriate measures as necessary. | |
| RT | +JP14e treatment outcome qh ah | |
| JP22.2e treatment follow-up qh ah | ||
| +RG2.4e longitudinal study qh ah | ||
| RG2.4.6e cohort study qh ah | ||
| RL10.6 sample attrition qh ah |
| RF4e | . feasibility study qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| RT | JE10e demonstration programs qh ah |
| RF6e | . pilot study qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | A small-scale preliminary study undertaken to test the feasibility and assess the logistics of a projected large-scale investigation. |
| RF8 | . explanation and prediction qh |
| NT | +PN2.6 forecast qh ah |
| RF8.2 | . . explanation qh |
| ST | explanatory | |
| RT | +RG4.2e retrospective study qh ah |
| RG | time scope of study d-out qh |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RG2 | . one-time and longitudinal study qh |
| RG2.2e | . . cross-sectional study qh |
| HN | Changed descriptor 2000; through 1999 use "one-time study." ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | A cross-sectional study collects data on relevant variables one time only from a variety of people, subjects, or phenomena. The data are collected all at the same time (or within a short time
frame).
A cross-sectional study provides a snapshot of the variables included in the study, at one particular point in time. It may reveal how those variables are represented in a cross-section of a population. Cross-sectional studies often use survey techniques to gather data, for example, the U.S. Census. | |
| ST | one-time study | |
| RT | RQ14.2e synchronic analysis qh ah |
| RG2.4e | . . longitudinal study qh |
| SN | Study in which the same persons or groups or phenomena are studied over a period of time. | |
| ST | long-term study | |
| RT | +PN2.4e trend qh ah | |
| +RD10.8e replication study qh ah | ||
| RF2.6.4e follow-up study qh ah | ||
| +RQ14.4e diachronic analysis qh ah | ||
| RQ14.4.4e time series analysis qh ah |
| RG2.4.6e | . . . cohort study qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A study following the same subjects over time. Such a study supports statements on causal factors on an individual level. | |
| ST | cohort analysis | |
| panel study | ||
| RT | RF2.6.4e follow-up study qh ah | |
| RL10.6 sample attrition qh ah |
| RG4 | . retrospective study and prospective study qh |
| RG4.2e | . . retrospective study qh |
| SN | An investigation in which information about characteristics or events that have occurred in the past is collected and/or analyzed for a group of subjects. | |
| NT | RD2.6.2e case-control study qh ah | |
| RT | RF8.2 explanation qh ah |
| RG4.4e | . . prospective study qh |
| SN | An investigation in which information about characteristics or events occurring in a group of subjects is collected over a period of time so that the occurrences can be related to the characteristics of the individuals as ascertained at the initiation of the study. | |
| SN | Follows a cohort of subjects and records events as they occur. | |
| ST | projective study | |
| prospective longitudinal study | ||
| RT | +PN2.6 forecast qh ah |
| RJ | study subject d-out qh |
| SN | Classifies study types by the type of subject about which data are collected. Index by the highest level subject. For example, a study on the effect of a chemical substance on cell cultures would be indexed by *RJ4.2 cell culture study* qh ah; a study on neurotransmitter substances in humans would be indexed by *+RJ8 human study* qh ah. Nonhuman organisms can be specified further by a descriptor from *+W living organisms* qh ah. Human can be qualified further by concepts from *+T demographic characteristics* qh ah. | |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +PA demography and epidemiology qh ah | |
| +RA20e research ethics qh ah |
| RJ2 | . chemical substance as study subject qh |
| BT | +RE2e laboratory study qh ah | |
| RT | +Y chemical substances by function qh ah | |
| +Z chemical substances by structure qh ah |
| RJ2.2 | . . laboratory biomolecule study qh |
| RJ4e | . histologic study qh |
| BT | +RE2e laboratory study qh ah | |
| RT | +W living organisms qh ah | |
| +Xe body part qh ah | ||
| +XAe cell and cell structure qh ah | ||
| +XA6 cell by staining properties qh ah |
| RJ4.2e | . . cell culture study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | tissue culture study | |
| RT | +RJ study subject qh ah | |
| +WZe cultured cell line qh ah |
| RJ6 | . nonhuman organism study qh |
| RT | +W living organisms qh ah |
| RJ6.2e | . . animal study qh |
| ST | animal subject | |
| RT | FR30e animal behavior qh ah | |
| +Te demographic characteristics qh ah | ||
| +TW2.10.2e offspring qh ah | ||
| WL6e animal strains qh ah |
| RJ6.2.2e | . . . animal model qh |
| BT | +WL4.6e experimental animal qh ah | |
| RT | +RS2e scientific model qh ah |
| RJ8e | . human study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | human subject | |
| RT | +Te demographic characteristics qh ah | |
| +WX4.10.2.2 Homo sapiens sapiens qh ah |
| RJ8.2e | . . individual as study subject qh |
| NT | RD2.4.2.10e clinical trial qh ah | |
| +RD2.10.2e social survey qh ah | ||
| +RE6e clinical study qh ah | ||
| RP2.2e study subject AODU history qh ah | ||
| RT | +LW12 mode of participation qh ah | |
| +TX10.2e patient qh ah |
| RJ8.2.2 | . . . family, adoption, or twin study qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RJ8.2.2.2e | . . . . twin study qh |
| BT | +TW2.12.2.2e twin qh ah | |
| RT | +EYe heredity qh ah |
| RJ8.2.2.4e | . . . . adoption study qh |
| RT | +EYe heredity qh ah |
| RJ8.2.4e | . . . household survey qh |
| SN | A study in which a sample is drawn from households. Within these households, individual people then are interviewed. The household is not studied as a whole. | |
| BT | +RD2.10e survey qh ah |
| RJ8.4e | . . family study qh |
| SN | A study in which the family or household is studied as a whole. | |
| ST | household study |
| RJ8.6e | . . group as study subject qh |
| SN | Use only when data about the group itself are collected. Do not use when statements about a group are based on data collected from individual members of the group. |
| RJ8.8e | . . organization as study subject qh |
| RJ8.10 | . . program as study subject qh |
| RK | study design, planning, execution, and result d-out qh |
| SN | The underlying plan or organization of a research project or study that determines its scope and approach; also, the process of planning and organizing research activities.
The design of a research study must consider the following components: The *RA12 research issue* qh ah or research question, the theoretical paradigm that underlies the study, the hypotheses or foreshadowing questions to be investigated, the *+RD type of research study* qh ah, the *+RG time scope of study* qh ah and how long it is going to take, the *+RL sample selection* qh ah, the variables to be studied (*+RM variable, characteristic, factor* qh ah), the measurement of these variables or *+RP data collection* qh ah, which must include *RA20.2 human subject protection* qh ah, the *+RQ data analysis method* qh ah and data analysis plan, the expected *+RA14 research outcome* qh ah, the *RA14.4 generalizability of research results* qh ah and the *RA14.6 policy implications of research* qh ah. Furthermore, the study design must consider the *+RB research organization and management* qh ah, including the study budget. | |
| ST | overall research plan | |
| overall research strategy | ||
| research planning | ||
| research project components | ||
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah |
| RK2e | . study design qh |
| ST | experimental design | |
| research design | ||
| research strategy (individual study) | ||
| RT | +JA4.12 prevention or treatment protocol qh ah |
| RK2.2 | . . statistical study design qh |
| RT | +RLe sample selection qh ah | |
| +RQ8e quantitative data analysis qh ah |
| RK2.2.2 | . . . factorial design qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. |
| RK2.4 | . . assignment of study subjects to conditions qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +JA4.6 recipient-intervention matching qh ah |
| RK2.6 | . . controlled vs uncontrolled study qh |
| RK2.6.2 | . . . assignment of subjects to study conditions qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RK2.6.4e | . . . controlled study qh |
| NT | +RD2.4 experiment qh ah | |
| RT | RD8.2e comparative study qh ah |
| RK2.6.4.2 | . . . . control variable qh |
| ST | control factor |
| RK2.6.4.4 | . . . . control group qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RK2.6.6 | . . . uncontrolled study qh |
| RK2.8 | . . blind and open study qh |
| RK2.8.2e | . . . blind study qh |
| ST | placebo study | |
| placebo-controlled study |
| RK2.8.2.2e | . . . . single-blind study qh |
| SN | An experiment in which the subject does not know which of one or more drugs (one of which often is a placebo) is being given. The researcher, however, is aware of which treatment is being used. |
| RK2.8.2.4e | . . . . double-blind study qh |
| SN | An experimental design in which neither the subject nor the researcher knows which of the two or more drugs (one of which often is a placebo) is being given at the time of the study. This reduces the potential for both subject and researcher bias. |
| RK2.10 | . . follow-up design qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RK2.10.2 | . . . length of follow-up qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RK4 | . study planning qh |
| ST | research plan (individual study) |
| RK6 | . study execution qh |
| RK8 | . study results qh |
| ST | research results | |
| study findings |
| RK10e | . ecological fallacy qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | The fallacy of inferring individual-level correlations from group-level data. |
| RLe | sample selection d-out qh |
| SN | The larger the sample, the greater the power of a test based on it. However, sample size is usually limited by reason of cost, ethics (not to expose too many people to a potentially harmful treatment), or availability of subjects. | |
| ST | sampling design | |
| sampling method | ||
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | RA20.2 human subject protection qh ah | |
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah | ||
| +RK2.2 statistical study design qh ah |
| RL2e | . population study qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | A study that collects data on every individual in a population. | |
| NT | PB2.4 population census qh ah |
| RL4 | . sample by method of selection qh |
| RL4.2e | . . random sample qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| RT | +RL6 simple or stratified sample qh ah |
| RL6 | . simple or stratified sample qh |
| RT | RL4.2e random sample qh ah |
| RL6.2 | . . simple sample qh |
| SN | A sample drawn from the whole population without regard to the properties of the sampled units. |
| RL6.4 | . . stratified sample qh |
| SN | A sample drawn with consideration of the representation of units having given properties (i.e., belonging to certain strata). |
| RL8 | . multistage sampling design qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RL10e | . sample selection problems qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Populations of interest in prevention studies are often hard to enumerate. For example, there is no defined population of parents with alcohol problems that could be the focus of a study of the children of alcoholics and from which a sample could be drawn. Depending on the method of recruitment (from health maintenance organizations. through workplace problems, driving problems, etc.) samples may differ greatly in the history and severity of alcohol-related problems. |
| RL10.2 | . . recruiting and enrolling subjects qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RL10.4e | . . sampling bias qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | selection bias | |
| RT | PD12.6.2 epidemiological bias qh ah |
| RL10.6 | . . sample attrition qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | The loss of subjects from the originally drawn sample either during one phase of a study (refusal to participate, non-returned or unusable questionnaires) or from one phase to the next in a follow-up study or cohort study. | |
| ST | attrition of subjects | |
| loss of participants over time | ||
| questionnaire return rate | ||
| RT | RF2.6.4e follow-up study qh ah | |
| RG2.4.6e cohort study qh ah |
| RMe | variable, characteristic, factor d-out qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | subject characteristics | |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RM2 | . integration of multiple types of measures qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Self-reports, reports of knowledgeable informants, cognitive measures, behavioral measures, and physiological measures may provide different perspectives on a construct. It becomes increasingly important to understand how to integrate these data optimally. |
| RM2.2 | . . multitrait-multimethod approach qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RM4 | . indicator variable qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. | |
| NT | MK2e social indicators qh ah | |
| +MT14 economic indicators and measurements qh ah |
| RM6 | . definition of variables qh |
| RT | +FV8.4.2 concept formation qh ah |
| RM6.2 | . . operational definition qh |
| ST | operationalization |
| RM6.4 | . . measurement scale qh |
| SN | A measurement scale often is the operational definition of a variable. | |
| RT | RP4e measurement in general qh ah |
| RM6.4.4 | . . . Likert scale qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RM6.4.6e | . . . rating scale qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | HH6.12 semantic differential qh ah |
| RM8 | . objective vs subjective variables qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RM8.2e | . . objective variables qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Objective phenomena are those that can be known by evidence that is, in principle, directly accessible to an external observer, although their measurement often relies on the person himself or herself as an informant. | |
| ST | objective phenomena |
| RM8.4e | . . subjective variables qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Subjective phenomena are those that, in principle, can be directly known, if at all, only by the persons themselves, although a person's intimate associates or a skilled observer or analyst may be
able to surmise from indirect evidence what is going on "inside". Peoples' knowledge or perceptions of objective phenomena (be they right or wrong) is a subjective phenomenon.
Subjective phenomena are important in the prediction of behavior (to the extent that voiced attitudes and intentions can predict behavior), as explanatory variables in social and political theories, and as indicators in comprehensive social reports on the quality of life. | |
| ST | subjective phenomena |
| RM10 | . individual vs group variable qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +RD2.2e statistical data qh ah | |
| +RQ8.4.14.14e multilevel analysis qh ah |
| RM10.2 | . . individual-level variable qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A variable measured at the level of the individual such as age or racial or ethnic origin. | |
| ST | individual-level effects | |
| RT | +JA6.12 internal risk and protective factors qh ah | |
| +JG10 individual-level prevention qh ah |
| RM10.4 | . . group-level variable qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A variable measured at the level of a group or area such as type of neighborhood. | |
| ST | environmental variable | |
| group-level effects | ||
| RT | +JA6.14 external risk and protective factors qh ah | |
| +JG12e environmental-level prevention qh ah |
| RM12 | . microvariable and macrovariable qh |
| RM12.2 | . . microvariable qh |
| RM12.4 | . . macrovariable qh |
| RM14e | . predictive factor qh |
| ST | predictor variable | |
| NT | +JA6.6e risk factors qh ah | |
| RT | JN4.10e prognosis qh ah | |
| +PN2.6 forecast qh ah | ||
| RM22.6.4.6e predictive validity qh ah | ||
| +RQ8.4e correlation analysis qh ah | ||
| RQ8.4.14.12e causal path analysis qh ah |
| RM16 | . latent variable qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| NT | RQ14.4.2e latent-variable models of change qh ah |
| RM18e | . confounding variable qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. |
| RM20 | . effect modifier qh |
| RM22e | . assessment of variables and methods qh |
| SN | Assessment of variables, tests, measurements, and methods, especially with respect to their reliability and validity.
Use this descriptor or one of its narrower terms if the validity or reliability is discussed without actually discussing the process of how it was determined. However, if the process of testing validity and reliability is discussed, use *RF2.4 validation study* qh ah. | |
| NT | RF2.4e validation study qh ah | |
| BT | +FV24.6 assessment qh ah | |
| RT | +RA18e research quality qh ah |
| RM22.2e | . . accuracy of variables and methods qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | measurement error | |
| RT | MO6.8.2e evidentiary proof of AODU qh ah |
| RM22.2.2 | . . . observer variation qh |
| RT | PD12.6.2 epidemiological bias qh ah |
| RM22.4 | . . missing data problem qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | RQ12 method for handling incomplete data qh ah |
| RM22.6 | . . reliability and validity (research methods) qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | RP12.4e self-report qh ah |
| RM22.6.2e | . . . reliability (research methods) qh |
| SN | The extent to which the results of a test or measurement are consistent over repeated trials. | |
| ST | consistency of measurement | |
| statistical reliability | ||
| test retest reliability |
| RM22.6.4e | . . . validity (research methods) qh |
| SN | The extent to which the variable or method that is being measured is actually being measured. | |
| ST | statistical validity |
| RM22.6.4.2 | . . . . face validity qh |
| RM22.6.4.4e | . . . . construct validity qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | The extent to which a test measures a hypothetical construct or trait (e.g., creativity, analytical ability, persistence, mechanical competence, or achievement motivation) that is the basis for test performance. |
| RM22.6.4.6e | . . . . predictive validity qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | predictive criterion validity | |
| predictive values of tests | ||
| BT | +PN2.6 forecast qh ah | |
| RT | +RM14e predictive factor qh ah |
| RM22.8e | . . specificity and sensitivity of measurement qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +HA screening and diagnostic method qh ah | |
| +JN4e diagnosis qh ah |
| RM22.8.2e | . . . specificity of measurement qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Ability to reject cases that do not meet criteria. |
| RM22.8.4e | . . . sensitivity of measurement qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Ability to identify cases that meet criteria. |
| RM22.10e | . . standardized test qh |
| SN | Tests for which content has been selected and checked empirically, norms have been established, and uniform methods of administering have been developed. Such tests may be scored with a relatively high degree of objectivity. | |
| ST | normalized test | |
| normed test | ||
| test standardization |
| RM22.12 | . . criterion-referenced test qh |
| SN | Tests in which the items are linked to explicitly stated objectives; scores are interpreted in terms of these objectives rather than in terms of a group norm. | |
| ST | objective referenced test |
| RM24 | . statistical effects and errors qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | There are four interrelated components that influence the conclusions you might reach from a statistical test in a research project: (1) the sample size, or the number of units (e.g., people) accessible to the study; (2) the effect size, or the salience of the treatment relative to the noise in measurement; (3) the alpha level (a, or significance level), or the odds that the observed result is due to chance; and (4) the power, or the odds that you will observe a treatment effect when it occurs. Given values for any three of these components, it is possible to compute the value of the fourth. For instance, you might want to determine what a reasonable sample size would be for a study. If you could make reasonable estimates of the effect size, alpha level and power, it would be simple to compute (or, more likely, look up in a table) the sample size. | |
| RT | +JN4.6e diagnostic problem qh ah |
| RM24.6e | . . statistical power qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | The chance of (correctly) accepting an effect when in fact there is one. The probability of a type 2 correct determination: Determining that there is an effect when in fact there is one. The
probability that, given an effect does in fact exist, a statistical effect is observed.
The probability that a test will detect an effect of a specified size if the effect indeed exists in the population. | |
| ST | test power | |
| type 2 correct determination probability |
| RM26e | . intermethod comparison qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. ETOH descriptor 2000. |
| RPe | data collection d-out qh |
| SN | Data sources and data collection methods. | |
| ST | data collection as a research step | |
| data collection method | ||
| measurement | ||
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +FV24e knowledge acquisition method qh ah | |
| +JN2e patient assessment qh ah | ||
| +RE4e field study qh ah | ||
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah |
| RP2e | . study subject history qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | +JN2.4e patient history qh ah |
| RP2.2e | . . study subject AODU history qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +RJ8.2e individual as study subject qh ah | |
| RT | HB6.2e patient AODU history qh ah |
| RP4e | . measurement in general qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| RT | +RM6.4 measurement scale qh ah |
| RP6e | . laboratory measurement qh |
| SN | Physical and chemical tests and in vitro tests of tissues and other specimens taken from organisms. Elaborated in *+CA physical science* qh ah, *+CJ chemistry* qh ah, and *+CQ physical and chemical analysis and measurement* qh ah. | |
| ST | laboratory procedure | |
| laboratory technique | ||
| RT | +HFe laboratory test qh ah | |
| OH12.2.2 laboratory equipment qh ah |
| RP8e | . test of body functioning qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | In vivo test of body functions. Elaborated in *+CQ physical and chemical analysis and measurement* qh ah. |
| RP10e | . observation qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| NT | NF22.4.4 student observation qh ah |
| RP10.2e | . . participant observation qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Research method in which data are gathered by researchers serving or posing as members of a group or organization. The researchers' scientific motives may be concealed from or revealed for subjects, depending on the circumstances. | |
| RT | +MA2.20 methodological approach to society and culture qh ah | |
| +RE4e field study qh ah |
| RP12e | . data collection from mental responses qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | This term is introduced because there is no sharp line between psychological tests on the one hand and questionnaires and interviews on the other. | |
| ST | subjective response | |
| RT | +RD2.10.2e social survey qh ah |
| RP12.2e | . . specific data collection instrument qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Use this term to index specific data collection instruments, tests, scales, etc. Also index here any observational guidelines. | |
| ST | specific data collection index | |
| specific data collection inventory | ||
| specific data collection scale | ||
| specific data collection schedule | ||
| specific data collection test | ||
| NT | +HB6.10e specific AODU measurement and test qh ah |
| RP12.4e | . . self-report qh |
| SN | Report by a subject of his or her own behavior or experience, or subjective collection of data on objective phenomena. Can take the form of free-form narratives, diaries, or interview or questionnaire responses. Must consider the *+RM22.6 reliability and validity (research methods)* qh ah of self report data. | |
| RT | +JN2.4e patient history qh ah | |
| NL4.2.2.2 life story qh ah |
| RP12.6e | . . psychological or educational test qh |
| SN | Elaborated in *+HH psychosocial screening and diagnostic method* qh ah. | |
| ST | psychological test instrument | |
| NT | +HHe psychosocial screening and diagnostic method qh ah | |
| RT | NF22.4.2 academic test qh ah |
| RP12.6.2 | . . . testing protocols qh |
| RP12.8 | . . questionnaire or interview qh |
| ST | survey instrument |
| RP12.8.2 | . . . questionnaire or interview design qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. |
| RP12.8.4e | . . . questionnaire qh |
| SN | Filled out by subject. |
| RP12.8.6e | . . . interview qh |
| SN | Interviewer asks questions and records answers. | |
| NT | HH4e psychodiagnostic interview qh ah | |
| JN2.2e patient interview qh ah | ||
| RT | FV24.4.2 interviewing qh ah | |
| +LC2e interpersonal interaction qh ah |
| RP12.8.6.2 | . . . . face-to-face interview qh |
| RP12.8.6.4 | . . . . telephone interview qh |
| RP12.8.6.6 | . . . . structured interview qh |
| SN | An interview that utilizes a structured format: Questions may be phrased in a particular way throughout the interview process, answer categories may be used, and the sequence of the questions may be prescribed. |
| RP12.8.6.8 | . . . . unstructured interview qh |
| SN | A more or less free-flowing interview in which the interviewer tries to cover the topics of interest with questions formulated and sequenced on the spot in response to the interviewee. | |
| ST | informal interview |
| RP14e | . data collection from documents qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | The process of gathering information from documents such as preexisting records on study subjects, (e.g., patient histories or school records of students, corporate documents, or minutes of meetings) or any other documents (e.g., content analysis of speeches or of patient utterances). Do not confuse with *+NM26 literature review* qh ah. |
| RP14.2e | . . content analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | The determination of document characteristics (e.g., aggressiveness or peacefulness) through analyzing the language in the document (e.g., counting the number of words that connote aggressiveness or peacefulness, respectively). | |
| BT | +RQe data analysis method qh ah |
| RP14.4 | . . specific data source qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| NT | JU8.2.4.16e medical examiner report qh ah |
| RP14.4.2 | . . . emergency room reports qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | ER reports |
| RP14.4.4 | . . . hospital discharge data qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RQe | data analysis method d-out qh |
| SN | Broadly defined to include all methods of processing data for the purpose of description and analysis. | |
| ST | data analysis as a research step | |
| NT | RP14.2e content analysis qh ah | |
| RR4e qualitative data analysis qh ah | ||
| +RS2.6e causal model qh ah | ||
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +MQ8.4.2e cost-benefit analysis qh ah | |
| +ND10.12e geographic information systems qh ah | ||
| +RK study design, planning, execution, and result qh ah | ||
| +RRe qualitative research method qh ah |
| RQ2e | . description qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | descriptive analysis | |
| descriptive methods | ||
| NT | RD2.12.2e case history qh ah |
| RQ4 | . estimation qh |
| RQ4.2e | . . statistical estimation qh |
| BT | +RQ8e quantitative data analysis qh ah |
| RQ4.2.2e | . . . synthetic estimation qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A method for estimating the population parameter for a given variable for a target group or geographical area in the absence of sufficient actual data, using two steps: (1) develop a model for the variable from data for another, usually larger, group or area (which may or may not include the target group or area); (2) based on this model derive an estimate for the target group or geographical area. |
| RQ6e | . hypothesis testing qh |
| RQ6.2 | . . statistical tests qh |
| BT | +RQ8e quantitative data analysis qh ah |
| RQ8e | . quantitative data analysis qh |
| ST | quantitative approach | |
| statistics (method) | ||
| NT | +RQ4.2e statistical estimation qh ah | |
| RQ6.2 statistical tests qh ah | ||
| +RS2.4e statistical modeling qh ah | ||
| RT | +RD2.2e statistical data qh ah | |
| +RK2.2 statistical study design qh ah |
| RQ8.2e | . . univariate analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Analysis of one variable at a time, including the comparison of variable values across groups. |
| RQ8.4e | . . correlation analysis qh |
| SN | This term is used broadly for any method of analyzing the interdependencies between two (*+RQ8.4.12 bivariate analysis* qh ah) or more (*+RQ8.4.14 multivariate analysis* qh ah)
variables.
The narrower terms refer to the classic parametric methods that use interval variables, as well as to their analogs that use nonparametric statistics and/or deal with ordinal or nominal variables. The methods that are used both with two and with more variables are listed first; they can be combined with *+RQ8.4.12 bivariate analysis* qh ah or *+RQ8.4.14 multivariate analysis* qh ah as appropriate. | |
| ST | bivariate or multivariate analysis | |
| statistical association measure | ||
| statistical correlation | ||
| NT | EX6.14.4.4e genetic correlation analysis qh ah | |
| RT | +RM14e predictive factor qh ah | |
| +RS2.6e causal model qh ah |
| RQ8.4.8e | . . . regression analysis qh |
| RQ8.4.10e | . . . bivariate and multivariate analysis of variance qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A statistical technique for determining if differences among the means of different groups of observations exceed what may be expected by chance.
Use both for bivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and for multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). |
| RQ8.4.10.2e | . . . . bivariate analysis of variance qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | analysis of variance | |
| ANOVA | ||
| BT | +RQ8.4.12e bivariate analysis qh ah |
| RQ8.4.10.4e | . . . . multiple analysis of variance qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | MANOVA | |
| BT | +RQ8.4.14e multivariate analysis qh ah |
| RQ8.4.10.6e | . . . . analysis of covariance qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| ST | ANCOVA | |
| BT | +RQ8.4.14e multivariate analysis qh ah | |
| RT | RQ8.4.16 covariation of variables qh ah |
| RQ8.4.12e | . . . bivariate analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Analysis of the interdependence between two variables. | |
| NT | RQ8.4.10.2e bivariate analysis of variance qh ah |
| RQ8.4.14e | . . . multivariate analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Analysis of the interdependencies between two or more variables. | |
| NT | RQ8.4.10.4e multiple analysis of variance qh ah | |
| RQ8.4.10.6e analysis of covariance qh ah |
| RQ8.4.14.2 | . . . . canonical correlation analysis qh |
| RQ8.4.14.4e | . . . . discriminant analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 1995. | |
| SN | A statistical technique in which several predictive variables are weighted and combined to produce the maximum difference or discrimination between two or more qualitatively different groups. | |
| ST | discriminant function analysis | |
| multiple discriminant analysis |
| RQ8.4.14.6e | . . . . factor analysis qh |
| SN | A mathematical technique used to explain the relationships observed among a large number of descriptive variables in terms of a smaller number of underlying or inferred factors. |
| RQ8.4.14.8e | . . . . cluster analysis qh |
| SN | A statistical technique used in multivariate analysis to group together similar items or variables. |
| RQ8.4.14.10e | . . . . multidimensional scaling qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Procedures used to analyze judgments, usually about the similarities and differences among a set of items to determine the number of independent factors that underlie the judgment. |
| RQ8.4.14.12e | . . . . causal path analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | A method of multivariate analysis that permits the quantification of causal relationships among several variables and arranging the variables in a network of causal relationships. | |
| ST | causal network analysis | |
| path analysis | ||
| path analysis model | ||
| BT | +RS2.6e causal model qh ah | |
| RT | +RM14e predictive factor qh ah |
| RQ8.4.14.14e | . . . . multilevel analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Multilevel analysis deals with the problem of separating the effects of individual-level and group-level variables. It decomposes the multilevel relationships between the variables into their within-group and between-group components by partitioning the variance and covariance at the individual and group level. This allows the formation and testing of hypotheses about how variables at one level affect relations at another level. | |
| ST | methods to study multiple-level influences | |
| multilevel model | ||
| RT | +RM10 individual vs group variable qh ah |
| RQ8.4.14.14.2 | . . . . . hierarchical linear modeling qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Statistical technique that permits the examination of program effects and their variability at the group and individual levels. In addition, the influence of other group-level influences (e.g., if the group is a classroom, teacher experience) and individual-level influences (e.g., parental drinking patterns) can be examined. Finally, the patterns of interaction between the group-level variables and the individual-level variables can be explored. | |
| ST | HLM |
| RQ8.4.14.16e | . . . . multicomponent analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Methods for understanding the individual effect and mediators of multicomponent prevention programs. | |
| ST | methods to study multicomponent interventions |
| RQ8.4.14.18e | . . . . mediation analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A mediator is a variable that is intermediate in the causal process between an independent and a dependent variable (e.g., implementation is intermediate in the causal process from program exposure to program outcome). Mediation analysis is the statistical procedure used to obtain point and interval estimates of mediated effects that are used to test hypotheses regarding the process by which an independent variable affects a dependent variable. Mediation analysis is important in prevention research because it provides evidence for or against different theories and it can be used to identify the effective and ineffective components in prevention programs. |
| RQ8.4.16 | . . . covariation of variables qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | RQ8.4.10.6e analysis of covariance qh ah |
| RQ8.6 | . . parametric and nonparametric statistics qh |
| RQ8.6.2 | . . . parametric statistics qh |
| SN | Statistical methods based on assumptions of the distribution of variable values according to distributions defined by the parameters of the variables, such as normal or binomial distributions. More powerful than nonparametric statistics, but usable only if the data follow the assumptions, or at least do not deviate too far. |
| RQ8.6.4 | . . . nonparametric statistics qh |
| SN | Forms of descriptive or sampling statistics applied to data when no assumptions can be made about the distributions involved. |
| RQ10 | . validation methods qh |
| RQ10.2e | . . cross-validation qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | Examining the same phenomenon in various ways or from various angles, using different data collection and analysis methods. | |
| ST | triangulation | |
| RT | +RRe qualitative research method qh ah |
| RQ12 | . method for handling incomplete data qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| RT | RM22.4 missing data problem qh ah |
| RQ14 | . synchronic and diachronic analysis qh |
| RQ14.2e | . . synchronic analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| RT | RG2.2e cross-sectional study qh ah |
| RQ14.4e | . . diachronic analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | longitudinal analysis method | |
| RT | +RG2.4e longitudinal study qh ah |
| RQ14.4.2e | . . . latent-variable models of change qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +RM16 latent variable qh ah |
| RQ14.4.4e | . . . time series analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| ST | time line method | |
| RT | +RG2.4e longitudinal study qh ah |
| RQ16e | . geographic analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | An array of analyses that focus on the role of space (i.e., distance and area), place (i.e., space plus social and physical context), and location (i.e. the impact of being in specific spaces and places). | |
| RT | +PT4.4e geographic factors qh ah |
| RQ16.2e | . . spatial data analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Statistical techniques for measuring and modeling how phenomena are related geographically. | |
| ST | spatial analysis | |
| RT | +ND10.12e geographic information systems qh ah |
| RQ16.2.2e | . . . spatial autocorrelation qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | The degree to which entities with similar values cluster in space. Any specific value (auto or self) is correlated by distance to other values, i.e., neighboring values tend to be more similar than
the similarity between all of the other values that are more distantly located.
Spatial dependencies facilitate new conceptualizations of alcohol-related problems. Questions such as where are alcohol-related phenomena, what is the spatial coincidence between multiple measures such as demographics and alcohol problems, and what solutions can be developed to problems related to the geographic pattern of alcohol use are presented in an entirely new, and geographic, perspective. | |
| ST | spatial dependence |
| RQ16.2.2.2e | . . . . spatial cluster analysis qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | A technique facilitated by GIS that is widely applicable to a broad number of research issues in alcohol small area epidemiology. A cluster is a greater than expected group of similar items or occurrences (e.g., outlets, DWI offenders, deaths) that are geographically close. Spatial clustering is similar to other types of cluster analysis, with the exception that many spatial clustering techniques utilize significance testing and that space-time clusters can also be investigated. Specific spatial cluster analytic techniques are suitable for use with point or geographic area data. |
| RRe | qualitative research method d-out qh |
| HN | Introduced 1995. ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| SN | In qualitative research, data collection and data analysis are often not as clearly separated as they are in quantitative research. Also, the application of a given data collection method may be
altered by the qualitative approach.
Combine this descriptor as needed with descriptors from *+RP data collection* qh ah and/or *+RQ data analysis method* qh ah. | |
| NT | RD2.8e qualitative study qh ah | |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah | |
| RT | +RD2.12e case study qh ah | |
| RQ10.2e cross-validation qh ah |
| RR4e | . qualitative data analysis qh |
| HN | ETOH descriptor 2000. | |
| BT | +RQe data analysis method qh ah |
| RS | models and simulation d-out qh |
| BT | +RCe research and evaluation method qh ah |
| RS2e | . scientific model qh |
| SN | A formal representation of natural or social systems, processes, or phenomena, explicitly describing the interrelationships among components or factors, to provide a basis for analysis, simulation, explanation, or explication of the system being modeled. A scientific model can take the form of verbal description, visualization in two or three dimensions, mathematical equations, or a computer program. | |
| ST | research model | |
| theoretical model | ||
| RT | +GA8 disease model qh ah | |
| RJ6.2.2e animal model qh ah |
| RS2.2 | . . conceptual model qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. |
| RS2.4e | . . statistical modeling qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| BT | +RQ8e quantitative data analysis qh ah |
| RS2.4.2 | . . . survival modeling qh |
| HN | Introduced 2000. | |
| SN | Can identify risk and protective factors that predict the length of time before an outcome occurs. |
| RS2.6e | . . causal model qh |
| SN | Systematic representation of possible causal connections among variables. | |
| NT | RQ8.4.14.12e causal path analysis qh ah | |
| BT | +FV10e causal pathways qh ah | |
| +RQe data analysis method qh ah | ||
| RT | +AKe causes of AODU qh ah | |
| +RQ8.4e correlation analysis qh ah |
| RS2.8 | . . mathematical model qh |
| RS2.8.2 | . . . structural equation model qh |
| RS2.10 | . . chemical model qh |
| RS2.12 | . . biological model qh |
| SN | Macromolecular, cellular, tissue, and whole body models. |
| RS4 | . simulation qh |
| ST | computer model |
| RS4.2 | . . dynamic simulation qh |
| ST | dynamic simulation model |
classification thesaurus glossary dictionary definition subject heading list ontology vocabulary knowledge structure knowledge organization terminology concept