Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The aims of this book: I have been teaching research methods to medical, nursing and social sciences students, and in postgraduate medicine, for over forty years. In that time, I have realised that the prospect of learning about doing research, or doing "science", terrifies a lot of people. Many have a "mental block" at the thought of it. "Research is what scientists do and I'm not a scientist!" So, this is where I give my first, and possibly, most important piece of advice: "Don't Panic!" Can you think of the source? These words were written by Douglas Adams in 1979... That's right! They are from his book, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and on the back of the Guide are found these immortal words. Remember them. You don't need to panic when you are learning about Research. You can do it"-- Provided by publisher.