Assignment: Asthma Study
Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation of the lower airways and episodes of airflow obstruction. Asthma episodes or attacks can vary from mild to life-threatening. In 2007, about 7% percent of the U.S. population was diagnosed with asthma and there have been a growing number of new cases since that time. There are several known risk factors identified as triggers of asthma symptoms and episodes, including inhalation of allergens or pollutants, infection, cold air, vigorous exercise, and emotional upsets. There is also growing evidence relating body-mass index to asthma in both children and adults. Design a study to investigate whether there is such an association.
Choose a study design and justify the reasons you chose the design over others.
Select a statistical measure you would use to describe the association (if there is one) between body mass index and asthma.
In addition, address:
1. Subject selection
2. Issues relating to the measurement of both the exposure and the outcome
3. Potential biases that the study might be prone to, and how they might be handled
4. Possible confounding factors and effect modifiers and how to overcome their effect
Present the information in a 750-1000-word report, using section headings where each requirement is described and justified under each of the following headings: Study Design, Statistical Measures, Subject Selection, and Measurement Issues.
Refer below to the "Key Elements of a Research Proposal."
You are required to use a minimum of three scholarly resources.
Key Elements of a Research Proposal
If you need a review of study design components, view the resources below.
Review the Key Elements page of the Research Methods Knowledge Base website at Social Research Methods - Knowledge Base - Key Elements.
Social Research Methods - Knowledge Base - Key Elements
Key Elements of a Research Proposal
Background / purpose / rationale of the study
Literature review
Hypothesis/key questions
Research objectives
Research methods
• Study design
• Statistical bias
• Procedures/timeline
o Specific steps to be taken to complete the study
o Instruments/data collection methods
o Outcomes
• Proposed data analysis plan
o Statistical analyses planned
o Power analysis if appropriate
• Data safety monitoring if appropriate
Study participants
• Description of participates
• Recruitment of participates
• Confidentiality/human subject's protection/legal-ethical issues (if appropriate)
• Sampling / rationale
o Inclusion/exclusion criteria
o Number of subjects
Statistical Analysis (only if applicable)
Anticipated Results and Potential Pitfalls
Implications for Practice
Adapted from "Key Elements of a Social Science Research Proposal: Statement of Research Plan" by the Office of Research at Northwestern University.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.