Comprehensive List of Decision Points in a Patient-Oriented Mixed Methods PhD Study for Youth Partners
Navigating a PhD study (or any research study) can be complex, especially for patient research partners who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of research. This detailed list aims to highlight every potential decision point in a patient-oriented mixed methods study where your voice can play a crucial role.
Preliminary Phases
1. Research Topic Selection
Decide what the overarching subject of the research will be, considering its relevance to patients.
2. Research Questions Formulation
Determine the specific questions that the research aims to answer.
3. Study Justification
Discuss the importance and relevance of the study, especially its impact on patients.
4. Resource Allocation
Decide on how available resources like time, money, and personnel will be distributed.
5. Team Composition
Select the members of the research team, including advisors, statisticians, and other experts.
6. Ethical Considerations
Outline the ethical guidelines that will govern the study, especially those relating to patient welfare.
Study Design
7. Methodology Choice
Choose between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches for data collection and analysis.
8. Participant Recruitment Strategy
Determine how and from where the study participants will be recruited.
9. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Decide on the specific criteria that must be met for someone to participate in the study.
10. Data Collection Methods
Select the specific techniques to be used for gathering data, such as interviews, surveys, or observations.
11. Sampling Technique
Decide on the method for selecting a subset of individuals from your target population.
12. Data Privacy Measures
Establish procedures to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of study participants.
13. Pilot Testing
Choose whether to conduct a pilot study to test the feasibility of your research methods.
14. Tool Selection
Select or develop the specific instruments, like questionnaires or software, for data collection.
15. Timeframe
Decide the duration of each phase of the study and the overall timeline.
Data Collection
16. Data Collection Execution
Determine who will be responsible for collecting the data and how it will be managed.
17. Data Backup and Storage
Decide on methods and locations for securely storing collected data.
18. Ongoing Ethical Compliance
Regularly assess the ethical dimensions as the data collection progresses.
19. Midpoint Assessment
Decide whether the study's course needs adjustment based on interim findings or issues.
Data Analysis
20. Data Sorting and Cleaning
Choose the techniques for preparing the raw data for analysis.
21. Analysis Software
Decide on the software tools that will be used for data analysis.
22. Analysis Methodologies
Determine the specific qualitative and/or quantitative methods for analyzing data.
23. Interpretation Strategy
Decide how the data findings will be interpreted in relation to the research questions.
Reporting and Dissemination
24. Data Visualization Methods
Choose the types of graphs, tables, or other visual elements to represent the findings.
25. Writing Strategy
Decide on the structure and format of the final research paper or dissertation.
26. Peer Review Selection
Select the peer reviewers who will evaluate the research work for validity.
27. Publication Channels
Decide where and how the study findings will be published and disseminated.
28. Public Engagement
Choose methods for sharing research outcomes with the public, particularly patients impacted by the study.
29. Future Research Recommendations
Outline areas where further research is needed based on study findings.
30. Archiving Data
Decide how and where the study data and materials will be stored for future reference.
By understanding these decision points, research partners can better comprehend where they can most meaningfully contribute to a patient-oriented research study. Your voice matters, and being aware of these junctures allows you to actively participate in shaping research that is both relevant and impactful.
Contact us to access the decision-points checklist for your research study!
