Understanding Health Research

Key Terms Reliable data: data can be considered broadly reliable if the same results (or ones that are broadly similar) can be gained by a different researcher asking the same questions to the same (or statistically similar) groups/individuals. Valid research: Research that produces results correctly inferred or deduced from a premise. It presents a valid conclusion.

Know how to evaluate health research

Health Literacy Become a self-directed learner Highly Reliable Sources: Reference Books Peer-reviewed articles and research studies Scholarly and scientific journals Less Reliable Sources-consumer beware: Magazines Newspapers Advertisements Non-peer reviewed books Television Radio

The Internet Websites more likely to lead to authoritative information Web addresses also called URL’s that end in: .org (nonprofit organizations) .gov (federal government) .edu (college/university)

.com (commercial business) The Internet Websites less likely to lead to authoritative information .com (commercial business) Web addresses that end in .com may be reputable. However, anyone can post on these sites, and information may be unintentionally distorted or misrepresented. Therefore, beware of biased information, frauds, and hoaxes.

Know how to evaluate health information

Health on the Net The HON icon is a sign of trustworthiness and credibility This icon should be present on reliable health information and medical websites

Popular and Useful Websites WebMD: www.webmd.com MayoClinic: www.mayoclinic.com MedlinePlus: http://medlineplus.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov Many other useful websites exist. Do your research: do not limit yourself to only these.

Conclusion When conducting research: Always use more than one source or website to cross-check information