Dentistry Research Theory, Method and Practice

`This is an impressively detailed, clearly written book.... It is a book that I would like students to read′ - Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, London Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques presents an understanding of social research practice through appreciation of its foundations and methods. Stretching from the philosophy of science to detailed descriptions of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, it illustrates not only `how′ to do social research, but also `why′ particular techniques are used today. The book is divided into three parts: Part One: Illustrates the two basic paradigms - quantitative and qualitative - of social research, describing their origins in philosophical thought and outlining their current interpretations. Part Two: Devoted to quantitative research, and discusses the relationship between theory and research practice. It also presents a discussion of key quantitative research techniques. Part Three: Examines qualitative research. Topics range from classical qualitative techniques such as participant observation, to more recent developments such as ethnomethodological studies. Overall, the author offers an engaging contribution to the field of social research and this book is a reminder of the solid foundations upon which most social research is conducted today. As a consequence it will be required reading for students throughout the social sciences, and at various levels.

Medical and Health Research Theory, Method and Practice

This book is a simple yet thorough introduction to Q methodology, a research technique designed to capture the subjective or first-person viewpoints of its participants. Watts and Stenner outline the key theoretical concepts developed by William Stephenson, the founder of Q methodology, including subjectivity, concourse theory and abduction. They then turn to the practicalities of delivering high quality Q methodological research. Using worked examples throughout, the reader is guided through: • important design issues • the conduct of fieldwork • all the analytic processes of Q methodology, including factor extraction, factor rotation and factor interpretation. Drawing on helpful conceptual introductions to potentially difficult statistical concepts and a step-by-step guide to running Q methodological analyses using dedicated software, this book enables interested readers to design, manage, analyse, interpret and publish their own Q methodological research.

Focusing on the use of technology in survey research, this book integrates both theory and application and covers important elements of survey research including survey design, implementation and continuing data management.

Qualitative research can provide a great depth of understanding for health professionals in practice. Although many general research texts used in health discipline research courses present a broad spectrum of research methods, their discussion of qualitative methods is often limited. Qualitative Research in the Health Professions by Drs. William A. Pitney, Jenny Parker, Stephanie M. Mazerolle, and Kelly Potteiger, is a practical and straightforward text for those learning about qualitative research in the health professions. In Qualitative Research in the Health Professions, readers will acquire skills in mastering: • Introductory concepts of qualitative research, how it compares to quantitative research, and how to conceptualize a qualitative study • How to conduct a qualitative research study and present findings, including sections on collecting and analyzing data, ensuring trustworthiness of the data, and attending to ethical issues • Advanced concepts including various forms of qualitative research, how to mix quantitative and qualitative methods, and how to evaluate qualitative research Each chapter includes activities and exercises to further students’ understanding and the text also includes personal commentaries from scholarly practitioners in various health professions underscoring the value and importance of qualitative research. Qualitative Research in the Health Professionswill help current and future practitioners master the principles of qualitative research, understand published qualitative studies, and apply these findings in furthering evidence-based practice.

The concept of "funds of knowledge" is based on a simple premise: people are competent and have knowledge, and their life experiences have given them that knowledge. The claim in this book is that first-hand research experiences with families allow one to document this competence and knowledge, and that such engagement provides many possibilities for positive pedagogical actions. Drawing from both Vygotskian and neo-sociocultural perspectives in designing a methodology that views the everyday practices of language and action as constructing knowledge, the funds of knowledge approach facilitates a systematic and powerful way to represent communities in terms of the resources they possess and how to harness them for classroom teaching. This book accomplishes three objectives: It gives readers the basic methodology and techniques followed in the contributors' funds of knowledge research; it extends the boundaries of what these researchers have done; and it explores the applications to classroom practice that can result from teachers knowing the communities in which they work. In a time when national educational discourses focus on system reform and wholesale replicability across school sites, this book offers a counter-perspective stating that instruction must be linked to students' lives, and that details of effective pedagogy should be linked to local histories and community contexts. This approach should not be confused with parent participation programs, although that is often a fortuitous consequence of the work described. It is also not an attempt to teach parents "how to do school" although that could certainly be an outcome if the parents so desired. Instead, the funds of knowledge approach attempts to accomplish something that may be even more challenging: to alter the perceptions of working-class or poor communities by viewing their households primarily in terms of their strengths and resources, their defining pedagogical characteristics. Funds of Knowledge: Theorizing Practices in Households, Communities, and Classrooms is a critically important volume for all teachers and teachers-to-be, and for researchers and graduate students of language, culture, and education.

With its unique modelling and mapping of social processes, Investigative Research offers an alternative approach to social research. This book guides you through the theoretical grounding and rules you need to effectively combine the evidence-based explanations of social behaviour and distinctive strategies of data collection associated with investigative research. It helps you answer key investigative questions like: How are models and maps of social reality crucial to the formulation of research problems and questions? What are the main phases, challenges, and theories of investigative research? How does investigative research compare with other research approaches, like surveys, case studies, grounded theory, and mixed methods? How can you control the quality and validity of your investigative research? With its clear focus on investigative research exploration, description, and explanation, this book gives you the solid building blocks needed to manage and integrate the theoretical and practical issues in your work.

Using Postmodern and Poststructural Approaches in Applied Research introduces the complex theoretical approaches of postmodern and poststructural thought in ways that are accessible and understandable. The book begins by grounding our discussion with the foundational work of scholars who first wrote about postmodern and poststructural approaches. We then follow with examples of how scholars continue to use these approaches and theories today and apply them in different practice areas. Examples are provided from the author’s own research, teaching, and mentorship along with activities for the reader, to support them with their own research and application of postmodern and poststructural thought. Interviews and reflections are shared from students and researchers who have used postmodern and poststructural approaches in their own work. This book is for students and researchers who want to use postmodern and poststructural approaches to make a difference in practice areas where they work or have connections. It intends to inspire, excite, and support students, academics, researchers, and practitioners to use postmodern and poststructural concepts in their everyday practices.

This book aims to provide the dental team with an improved understanding of management of the oral health needs of the ageing population, in whom increasing cognitive, medical and physical disabilities impact significantly on oral health and dental care needs. All significant aspects of caring for older people are covered. The nature and implications of changing demographics are explained and information provided on common medical co-morbidities and the impact of cognitive conditions, including dementia, on dental treatment. The changing pattern of dental disease in older people is clearly described, with explanation of the consequences of these changes for aspects of restorative dentistry, oral medicine, and oral surgery. Advice is given on considerations for dental treatment planning, including the importance of prevention and utilization of dental care professionals. Provision of care for older people under general anaesthesia or sedation and domiciliary care are also covered. The book is written by specialist practicing clinicians and delivers information in an accessible way with a person-centered approach.