Advance Application of Practice-Based Research in Health
Week 9: Advance Application of Practice-Based Research in Health
Secondary Data Sources II
As you examined last week, assessing secondary data sources related to your Doctoral Study topic is necessary to determine what research designs and methods may be most appropriate for your own research. While secondary data sources are ubiquitous, it is important to realize that not all secondary data sources are created equal. As an independent researcher, it is up to you to make informed decisions and to take a proactive approach in determining which secondary data sources are the right fit for your Doctoral Study.
This week, you go further in your examination of secondary data sources. You will create research questions based on the secondary data sources you have examined as well as consider the variables contained within your secondary data sources as they relate to your Doctoral Study.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
· Create research questions based on secondary data
· Evaluate the independent, dependent, and confounding variables related to research questions
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Creswell, J. W., Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Chapter 7, “Research Questions and Hypotheses” (pp. 133-145)
Chapter 8, “Quantitative Methods” (pp. 147-176)
Kiecolt, K. J., & Nathan, L. E. (1985). Secondary analysis of survey data. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.
· “Making Effective Use of Existing Survey Data”
Data.CMS.gov. (2011). Inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) provider summary for the top 100 diagnosis-related groups (DRG)—FY2011 [Data file]. Retrieved from https://data.cms.gov/Medicare/Inpatient-Prospective-Payment-System-IPPS-Provider/97k6-zzx3
Discussion Part (Pay attention to the questions)
Utilizing Secondary Data (3 pages)
Utilizing secondary data requires that you understand how to craft appropriate quantitative research questions, define the dependent and independent variables, and consider if any confounding variables might impact your analysis. There is nothing more central to research than the formulation of research questions that address an identified problem and that are helpful in understanding that problem and potential solutions to it. This means being clear on the nature of the problem in its context and the variables that you need to measure.
1. For this Discussion, you will develop two potential quantitative research questions for secondary data analysis of a given problem and a given data set. Then you will examine potential confounding variables.
To prepare:
· Examine the “Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Provider Summary for the Top 100 Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG)—FY2011” data file at: https://data.cms.gov/Medicare/Inpatient-Prospective-Payment-System-IPPS-Provider/97k6-zzx3
· Consider potential health problems and quantitative research questions for which this secondary data set could provide an answer.
· Select variables in the data set that could be used to answer the research question you have created, and determine potential confounding variables that would also need to be considered.
By Day 4
2. Post 2 to 3 paragraphs describing one problem and one to two research questions for which the given data set could provide an answer. Determine the independent and dependent variables that could be measured to answer each research question and two potential confounding variables that may impact your research study. Briefly justify your choices.
3. Support your Discussion with citations and specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the resources for this course.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ posting By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
· Provide suggestions that would strengthen your colleague’s research questions.
· Provide additional possible confounding variables.
· Offer polite disagreement or critique, supported with evidence.
· Offer and support an opinion.
· Validate an idea with your own experience.
· Make a suggestion or comment that guides or facilitates the Discussion.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 9 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6
To participate in this Discussion: Week 9 Discussion
