Numerous investigations prove the idea that the vast majority of medical writings and studies are biased (Leavitt, 2003), and even more, it is very difficult to eliminate all biases in a study. This is why it is better to take some other steps to solve the problem and guard the research design against biases. The possibility to minimize, control, or measure biases may be used. The qualitative research of the question concerning therapeutic massage and its influence on human conditions requires following certain traditions and ideas (Polit & Beck, 2009). So, it is evident that some biases will certainly influence the development of this research study. Possible biases which may surface in the research study during the discussion of the question are measurement biases (expectation, recalling, attention, and verification), selection biases (volunteer or nonrespondent), and interventional biases (time, contamination, and proficiency). For example, it is possible to make a mistake with expectations: massage may influence pa erson’s condition within different periods of time, and it is hard to define clear expectations. As a result, this research may be spoiled by this type of bias. Or it may happen that time limitations are not set properly, and another type of bias takes place. All above-mentioned biases may be personal and influence the design of the study in many different ways. The collection of relevant data is faulted, and the results of this fault usually lead to the wrong definition of outcomes and effects on human lives.
As it has been mentioned, it is almost impossible to eliminate biases, however, it is still possible to influence the development of the design of the study and guard this research against numerous biases described. The purpose of qualitative study under discussion is to get at the truth (Devers & Frankel, 2000). One of the possible methods to prevent biases in the study is the process of randomization. One group of people has massage therapy, and another group does not have this kind of therapy. Within some period of time, both groups face the same type of situation that causes stress and anxiety. Another idea of how to guard the study against biases is to define groups in accordance with age, gender, and mental state issues. This division will allow them to get more concrete results and to confront them with stressful situations.
In the study, there may be such biases that are connected to errors in observations and evaluation of the data gathered. To avoid these biases, it is necessary to pay much attention to the analysis of therapeutic massage to people with different health conditions and identify what types of conclusions may be expected from this research. Such attitude to the problem cannot prevent the development of biases; however, it will allow minimizing the effects of these biases on the results of the study. To support population choice in the research study under consideration, it is necessary to take care of the environment in which this research is conducted. Every participant should have a chance to evaluate the situation before the research begins because this kind of awareness promotes the proper development of the study and the ability to come to expected outcomes. In general, the study of the question under analysis has many peculiar features, and though it is hard to prevent all types of biases at the end of the research, the above-mentioned methods and ideas may serve as reliable ideas to improve the research.
Reference List
Devers, K. J., & Frankel, R. M. (2000). Study Design in Qualitative Research—2: Sampling and Data Collection Strategies. Education for Health: Change in Training & Practice, 13, 263–272.
Leavitt, S.B. (2003). Can Addiction Research Be Trusted? Addiction Treatment Forum. Web.
Polit, D.F. & Beck, C.T. (2009). Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.