Population Health Research: Linking Theory and Methods

Multidisciplinary in its approach, this innovative volume offers a comprehensive introduction to the methodological basis of population health research--and a critical assessment of theoretical issues affecting the quality of research on health and behavior. Moving away from the traditional emphasis on experimental design and statistical effects, it provides evidence of the limitations of such approaches. Moreover, it clearly demonstrates the value of theory guided, multi-method approaches for research into the complex forces affecting health, health-related behavior, and the effectiveness of health services. Population Health Research serves both as a valuable text for research education in the health sciences and as an essential resource for researchers in public health, health research, epidemiology, and medical sociology.