ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies against the background of their contribution to understanding health and illness. It focuses on how a systematic literature review should be carried out and presents examples of systematic reviews. The book aims to study diabetes I and II, and describes the in-depth interview as a qualitative research method. It presents the case of John Bennett, a nurse, who believes that the residents of a large, outer-city community where he lives are more vulnerable to heart diseases than people residing elsewhere. After presenting various quantitative and qualitative research methods, the book unfolds the case of James White, a doctor who treats older patients living with Alzheimer's disease and is interested in recording the number of changes in his patients' lives, as well as understanding what it means to live with Alzheimer's.
