PDQ Epidemiology

PDQ Epidemiology will help to fill the considerable gap between the exact findings of the laboratory and the uncertain world of clinical medicine. By translating the terminology of epidemiology into easy-to-understand language, the underlying scientific methods begin to emerge and make sense. The third edition reflects the maturation of the field, which now encompasses much more than the 'randomized, controlled trial.' New sections explain techniques that have been introduced into the field since the previous edition, the section on RCT has been expanded and updated examples have been incorporated. The section on measurement has also been brought into line with newer thinking on reliability and validity. Featuring unique examples titled Circular Reasoning and Anti-intellectual Pomposity Detectors (CRAP Detectors), the text helps the reader identify studies with basic flaws in design or reasoning. CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction to Epidemiology What It Is Trends in Epidemiology Current Applications of Epidemiology A Dose of Reality Chapter 2: Classical Epidemiology A Little Bit of History Some Basic Concepts Risk Factors Some Other Terms You Should Know Chapter 3: Research Methodology Yet Some More History Design Elements >br>Sampling Subject Allocation Other Forms of Randomization Threats to Validity Research Strategies Meta-Analysis C.R.A.P. Detectors Chapter 4: Measurement Issues in Choosing a Measure Types of Variables Measurement with Categorical Variables Measurement with Continuous Variables Screening C.R.A.P. Detectors Chapter 5: Assessing Causation The Criteria C.R.A.P. Detectors Chapter 6: Ethics Freely Given Consent Informed Consent Other Issues Appendix A Brief Epidemish - English Dictionary David L. Streiner, PhD Senior Scientist Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Professor, Department of Psychiatry University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario Geoffrey R. Norman, PhD Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Dimensions of Clinical Expertise Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Assistant Dean, Programme for Educational Research and Development McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario