Clinical Research in Mental Health

Gordon J. G. Asmundson, Ph.D., is currently Director of Clinical Research and Development at the Regina Health District, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, and the Departments of Psychology and Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina. He has published over 80 journal articles and book chapters as well as an edited book. His research interests are in the areas of health service utilization, chronic pain, fear, and the anxiety disorders. G. Ron Norton, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus at the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He also holds positions in the Departments of Psychology, PsycHealth, and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Norton has published over 100 scientific articles, primarily in the areas of anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and chronic pain. He has also published two previous books, Parenting (1976) and Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia (1991). Murray B. Stein, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, and Director of the Anxiety & Traumatic Stress Disorders Programs at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Stein has published over 125 scientific articles and book chapters on the topic of anxiety disorders. He has also edited a book for professionals on social phobia and has recently co-authored a self-help book on this subject.

I. GETTING STARTED 1. An Introduction to Clinical Research 2. Why Do Research? 3. Generating Worthwhile Research Ideas & Setting an Action Plan 4. How to Read & Critically Evaluate Research Articles 5. Writing a Research Proposal 6. A Primer on Research Ethics II. DATA & METHODS 7. Understanding Data 8. Guidelines for Collecting Sound Data 9. Understanding Variables 10. Handling Data & Using Statistics III. COMMUNICATING YOUR FINDINGS 11. Presenting Your Findings 12. On Writing & Publishing

"I was most impressed with the completeness and ease of reading of this comprehensive resource for curious students and their teachers. From formulating the research question to publication of the outcome, this reader-friendly guide outlines the key elements needed for a successful first attempt at scientific investigation. Unlike most educational manuals, this book will never become obsolete. It belongs on the bookshelves of every residency and fellowship training director, academic scientist and clinician." -- R. Bruce Lydiard "So many students and professionals alike are terrified to try research and have no resource to help them. This book will 'demystify' the research process, thus serving this very important purpose. It is informative, easy to read, and very user friendly. A true 'paperback' research mentor.... My compliments to the authors. They have taken their extensive research and clinical experience and put it in an easy-to-read guide to a very difficult topic." -- Brad Riemann "These authors.... all have experience with research and have trained students at all levels. They also work in 'real-world' research settings and are familiar with many of the practical problems (and solutions) with doing research in these settings....Overall, this is a strong volume that will make a nice contribution. It is more accessible than many of the volumes on research methodology and the clinical focus will reach an important audience. The authors repeatedly 'teach by example." This is a good strategy and they generally use it effectively." -- Debra Hope