PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 15717435

Data collection and study implementation.

Abstract

Every step of the research process involves decisions that must be made. In almost all cases, there are many possible choices, and none of them is wrong. However, it is up to the researcher to consider all of the options and systematically eliminate possibilities based on a theoretical framework, previous findings and methods described in the literature, or circumstances specific to each research question. When the methods used are less than ideal for some reason, the researcher should identify the problems as limitations to the study. Sometimes the limitations restrict the population to which the data can be generalized. In other instances, the limitations identify new areas of study that the current investigation did not address, but for which the current data provide support.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Deborah Winders Davis. Data collection and study implementation.. https://doi.org/10.1891/0730-0832.24.1.59

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

NMR data collection and analysis protocol for high-throughput protein structure determination.

A standardized protocol enabling rapid NMR data collection for high-quality protein structure determination is presented that allows one to capitalize on high spectrometer sensitivity: a set of five G-matrix Fourier transform NMR experiments for resonance assignment based on highly resolved 4D and 5D spectral information is acquired in conjunction with a single simultaneous 3D 15N,13C(aliphatic),13C(aromatic)-resolved [1H,1H]-NOESY spectrum providing 1H-1H upper distance limit constraints. The protocol was integrated with methodology for semiautomated data analysis and used to solve eight NMR protein structures of the Northeast Structural Genomics Consortium pipeline. The molecular masses of the hypothetical target proteins ranged from 9 to 20 kDa with an average of approximately 14 kDa. Between 1 and 9 days of instrument time were invested per structure, which is less than approximately 10-25% of the measurement time routinely required to date with conventional approaches. The protocol presented here effectively removes data collection as a bottleneck for high-throughput solution structure determination of proteins up to at least approximately 20 kDa, while concurrently providing spectra that are highly amenable to fast and robust analysis.

Data Collection↗

Development of an audit tool for genetic services.

Rapid growth in demand and altered professional roles have produced changes in the delivery of genetic services over the past decade, but these have not been rigorously evaluated because of the paucity of appropriate audit tools. The aim of this study was to use clients' accounts and factor analysis to develop a robust assessment and audit tool. Qualitative data abstracted from several published studies were used to generate a number of statements related to outcomes of genetic services. A total of 57 statements were incorporated into a questionnaire. The questionnaire was mailed to clients of the Wales genetic service (n = 133) who had completed their episode of care. Respondents were asked to rank each statement on a seven-point Likert type scale. Responses were subjected to factor analysis. A total of 97 anonymized responses were received (73% response rate). Six main factors were found to contribute to the outcome of the service from the client's perspective. These were labeled (i) enhanced understanding, (ii) positive psychological change, (iii) respect for autonomy, (iv) adaptation, (v) disequilibirium, and (vi) value of contact. The audit tool has now been refined for use in evaluating genetic services. Questions are included to investigate the six outcome areas shown to be relevant from the client's perspective. Data from the next phase of the study will be analyzed to validate the tool for use in both clinical audit and research contexts.

Data Collection↗

Performance. Charting a new course.

The Quest for Quality in the NHS is a comprehensive statistical analysis that compares NHS performance with sytems in other developing countries. On cancer, the UK's mortality rate has dropped, but it is left with the highest rate--although with a much narrowed gap. The UK's performance on revascularisation has been very poor. Targets may be a contributory cause. Differences in waiting times between the UK's nations are a likely consequence of devolution.

Data Collection↗