ABSTRACT
The scientific progress in health care research, application and policy formulation begins with a study among the population. The understanding of health events and outcomes in larger groups facilitates researchers in obtaining the ‘true’ and ‘complete’ picture of the situation. Several methods of scientific enquiry have been devised for the study among populations. Based upon the nature of enquiry, the study methods are broadly categorized as qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative methods equip researchers to gather an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the reasons that govern human behaviour. Quantitative studies involve an ardent numerical foundation and seek to provide ‘hard’ and measurable evidence. Nutrition lends itself to several exploratory and explanatory tools. These tools aim to capture the health status of the population and measure its determinants.
