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2 results

  • 1 - Promises and Pitfalls of Theory

  • from Part I - From Idea to Reality: The Basics of Research
  • Edited by Austin Lee Nichols, Central European University, Vienna, John Edlund, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
  • Book:
    The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
    Published online:
    25 May 2023
    Print publication:
    08 June 2023, pp 3-24

  • Summary

    We present an overview of the role, benefits, and drawbacks of theory in scientific research, particularly in the social and behavioral sciences. We discuss what theory is and what it is not. We also focus on some key elements of theory such as its ability to explain phenomena at multiple parallel levels of analysis. Evolutionary theory is offered as an example that illustrates the importance of conceptual integration across different disciplines. We further describe the key characteristics of good theories, such as parsimony, depth, breadth, and coherence (both internal and external), and we encourage the use of “coherence stress-tests” to help refine theory. We then discuss 4 advantages and 10 disadvantages of using theory in social and behavioral science research. Finally, we suggest conceptual tools and provide a list of recommendations for theory-driven research. We hope this chapter will help in the complex pursuit of improving research practices in the social and behavioral sciences.

  • 17 - Setting up an IVF unit

  • Edited by Paul Serhal, Caroline Overton
  • Book:
    Good Clinical Practice in Assisted Reproduction
    Published online:
    22 October 2009
    Print publication:
    01 July 2004, pp 289-309

  • Summary

    In setting up a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit it is necessary to convince others that there is an economical need for one to be established. The two methods for procedure costing for the IVF unit are top-down approach and bottom-up approach. The calculation of likely activity is based on a number of factors that include market research, existing waiting lists, referral base, currently available service in the area and their activity. Assisted conception services fall into three categories: wholly private and independent; state funded units; and part academic-part patient funded units. This chapter describes the clinical and laboratory set-up requirements including quality control, laboratory set-up, entry restriction, air-filtration, laboratory lighting, safety and security, and generator back-up for an IVF unit. The IVF chamber is a controlled environmental chamber which is mobile and is specifically designed to maintain ideal temperature and pH during the handling of gametes and embryos.