This is the first comprehensive guide to research methods in health. It describes the range of methods that can be used to study and evaluate health and health care. Ann Bowling's impressive range and grasp of research methodology are manifest in the simplicity of her style and in the organization of the book. The text is aimed at students and researchers of health and health services, including those in: demography, economics, epidemiology, health management, health policy, health psychology, health sciences, history, medical sociology, medicine, nursing, pharmaceutics and other health care disciplines. It has also been designed for health professionals and policy makers who have responsibility for applying research findings in practice, and who need to know how to judge the value of that research.