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Quantitative OR/IR Methodology. Laura Guay Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Technical definition of research. A systematic process of discovering new knowledge, involving application of the scientific method to make generalizable statements based upon specific inquiries.
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Quantitative OR/IR Methodology Laura Guay Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Technical definition of research A systematic process of discovering new knowledge, involving application of the scientific method to make generalizable statements based upon specific inquiries
How is OR/IR different from other type of research? • All types of health research try to improve health • All types of research can use similar methodologies • Quantitative, qualitative, observational studies, experimental studies • Difference = focus and goals • KEY: Research is conducted within the routine system
Comparing Quantitative and Qualitative Methods • Differ primarily in: • Analytic objectives • Quantitative: seeks to answer what, where, and when • Qualitative: seeks to answer why, how, and under what circumstances • Types of questions they pose • Types of data collection instruments they use • Forms of data they produce • Degree of flexibility built into study design Numbers and statistics (Quantitative) Words, pictures and objects (Qualitative)
Broad categories of study design Observational • Researchers observe a situation without any interference Experimental • Researchers deliberately assign one or more variables in order to examine effects
Observational Studies Observational studies Case report Cohort (prospective, retrospective) Cross-sectional Case control
Experimental Studies Result Experimental Group compare Study Population Result Control Group Random Assignment
Quasi-Experimental Studies Also called non-randomized studies Result Intervention Group compare Study Population Result Comparison Group NO Random Assignment
Pre-post test designQuasi-experimental design Intervention Study Population Compare Pre-test Post-test Time
Impact Evaluation • Measures effectiveness of an intervention(s) or program(s) at a community or population level • Goal- causal attribution of measured outcomes to the intervention or program • Key- good counterfactual (what would have happened in the absence of your intervention) • Gold standard: Experimental design with good randomization
Modeling: One of the original methodologies for OR- application of analytic and mathematical methods to inform decisions • Can be used to “predict” outcomes based on known parameters, assumptions, and input of real or hypothetical data • Cost effectiveness analysis: Requires known effectiveness data coupled with accurate cost inputs (direct and indirect)
Important to remember . . . • There is no best study design • Match the design to your research question • Then consider . . . • Feasibility • Time • Money • Other resources • Make sure you have a multi-disciplinary team assembled at the start of your planning
Acknowledgements Some slides adapted from: • Emily Bobrow, PhD • Family Health International: Site Identification and Development Initiative (SIDI) Training Curriculum
Review Question The main difference between an experimental and a quasi-experimental study design is: • Only an experimental design answers a research question based on a strong hypothesis • One is implementation research and the other is operations research • In an experimental design there is randomized allocation to an intervention, but not in a quasi-experimental design • A quasi-experimental design does not have a comparison group
Review Question TRUE or FALSE: • OR and IR utilize very specialized research methodologies to conduct studies to inform programs or policy • The only way to conduct an impact evaluation of an HIV program is a randomized controlled clinical trial
Review Question Which of the following is NOT a true statement: • The purpose of OR/IR is to help policy-makers and program managers make evidence-based program decisions • Because OR/IR are conducted within programs, it is not necessary to use scientifically sound methods • Both retrospective and prospective cohort study methodologies can be used for OR/IR • Economists play a key role in HIV OR/IR
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