Author: Kilem L. Gwet
Publisher: Advanced Analytics, LLC
ISBN: 0970806280
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 429
Book Description
The third edition of this book was very well received by researchers working in many different fields of research. The use of that text also gave these researchers the opportunity to raise questions, and express additional needs for materials on techniques poorly covered in the literature. For example, when designing an inter-rater reliability study, many researchers wanted to know how to determine the optimal number of raters and the optimal number of subjects that should participate in the experiment. Also, very little space in the literature has been devoted to the notion of intra-rater reliability, particularly for quantitative measurements. The fourth edition of this text addresses those needs, in addition to further refining the presentation of the material already covered in the third edition. Features of the Fourth Edition include: New material on sample size calculations for chance-corrected agreement coefficients, as well as for intraclass correlation coefficients. The researcher will be able to determine the optimal number raters, subjects, and trials per subject.The chapter entitled “Benchmarking Inter-Rater Reliability Coefficients” has been entirely rewritten.The introductory chapter has been substantially expanded to explore possible definitions of the notion of inter-rater reliability.All chapters have been revised to a large extent to improve their readability.
Handbook of Inter-Rater Reliability, 4th Edition
Author: Kilem L. Gwet
Publisher: Advanced Analytics, LLC
ISBN: 0970806280
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 429
Book Description
The third edition of this book was very well received by researchers working in many different fields of research. The use of that text also gave these researchers the opportunity to raise questions, and express additional needs for materials on techniques poorly covered in the literature. For example, when designing an inter-rater reliability study, many researchers wanted to know how to determine the optimal number of raters and the optimal number of subjects that should participate in the experiment. Also, very little space in the literature has been devoted to the notion of intra-rater reliability, particularly for quantitative measurements. The fourth edition of this text addresses those needs, in addition to further refining the presentation of the material already covered in the third edition. Features of the Fourth Edition include: New material on sample size calculations for chance-corrected agreement coefficients, as well as for intraclass correlation coefficients. The researcher will be able to determine the optimal number raters, subjects, and trials per subject.The chapter entitled “Benchmarking Inter-Rater Reliability Coefficients” has been entirely rewritten.The introductory chapter has been substantially expanded to explore possible definitions of the notion of inter-rater reliability.All chapters have been revised to a large extent to improve their readability.
Publisher: Advanced Analytics, LLC
ISBN: 0970806280
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 429
Book Description
The third edition of this book was very well received by researchers working in many different fields of research. The use of that text also gave these researchers the opportunity to raise questions, and express additional needs for materials on techniques poorly covered in the literature. For example, when designing an inter-rater reliability study, many researchers wanted to know how to determine the optimal number of raters and the optimal number of subjects that should participate in the experiment. Also, very little space in the literature has been devoted to the notion of intra-rater reliability, particularly for quantitative measurements. The fourth edition of this text addresses those needs, in addition to further refining the presentation of the material already covered in the third edition. Features of the Fourth Edition include: New material on sample size calculations for chance-corrected agreement coefficients, as well as for intraclass correlation coefficients. The researcher will be able to determine the optimal number raters, subjects, and trials per subject.The chapter entitled “Benchmarking Inter-Rater Reliability Coefficients” has been entirely rewritten.The introductory chapter has been substantially expanded to explore possible definitions of the notion of inter-rater reliability.All chapters have been revised to a large extent to improve their readability.
Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling
Author: Howard E.A. Tinsley
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080533566
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 751
Book Description
Multivariate statistics and mathematical models provide flexible and powerful tools essential in most disciplines. Nevertheless, many practicing researchers lack an adequate knowledge of these techniques, or did once know the techniques, but have not been able to keep abreast of new developments. The Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling explains the appropriate uses of multivariate procedures and mathematical modeling techniques, and prescribe practices that enable applied researchers to use these procedures effectively without needing to concern themselves with the mathematical basis. The Handbook emphasizes using models and statistics as tools. The objective of the book is to inform readers about which tool to use to accomplish which task. Each chapter begins with a discussion of what kinds of questions a particular technique can and cannot answer. As multivariate statistics and modeling techniques are useful across disciplines, these examples include issues of concern in biological and social sciences as well as the humanities.
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080533566
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 751
Book Description
Multivariate statistics and mathematical models provide flexible and powerful tools essential in most disciplines. Nevertheless, many practicing researchers lack an adequate knowledge of these techniques, or did once know the techniques, but have not been able to keep abreast of new developments. The Handbook of Applied Multivariate Statistics and Mathematical Modeling explains the appropriate uses of multivariate procedures and mathematical modeling techniques, and prescribe practices that enable applied researchers to use these procedures effectively without needing to concern themselves with the mathematical basis. The Handbook emphasizes using models and statistics as tools. The objective of the book is to inform readers about which tool to use to accomplish which task. Each chapter begins with a discussion of what kinds of questions a particular technique can and cannot answer. As multivariate statistics and modeling techniques are useful across disciplines, these examples include issues of concern in biological and social sciences as well as the humanities.
Quantitative Psychology
Author: Marie Wiberg
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331977249X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 405
Book Description
This proceedings book highlights the latest research and developments in psychometrics and statistics. Featuring contributions presented at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Psychometric Society (IMPS), organized by the University of Zurich and held in Zurich, Switzerland from July 17 to 21, 2017, its 34 chapters address a diverse range of psychometric topics including item response theory, factor analysis, causal inference, Bayesian statistics, test equating, cognitive diagnostic models and multistage adaptive testing. The IMPS is one of the largest international meetings on quantitative measurement in psychology, education and the social sciences, attracting over 500 participants and 250 paper presentations from around the world every year. This book gathers the contributions of selected presenters, which were subsequently expanded and peer-reviewed.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 331977249X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 405
Book Description
This proceedings book highlights the latest research and developments in psychometrics and statistics. Featuring contributions presented at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Psychometric Society (IMPS), organized by the University of Zurich and held in Zurich, Switzerland from July 17 to 21, 2017, its 34 chapters address a diverse range of psychometric topics including item response theory, factor analysis, causal inference, Bayesian statistics, test equating, cognitive diagnostic models and multistage adaptive testing. The IMPS is one of the largest international meetings on quantitative measurement in psychology, education and the social sciences, attracting over 500 participants and 250 paper presentations from around the world every year. This book gathers the contributions of selected presenters, which were subsequently expanded and peer-reviewed.
Managing Applied Social Research
Author: Darlene F. Russ-Eft
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118105478
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
Essential management guidance for real-world applied research projects Managing Applied Social Research equips you with the skills, strategies, and knowledge you need to effectively manage research projects. Written by a team of nationally-known researchers, this book covers the systematic management of applied social research studies from 'soup to nuts,' providing researchers with an easy-to-follow process and the tools and templates for improving the quality, ethical conduct, and usefulness of the final products. The authors merge expertise adapted from the field of project management with their decades of experience in using established research methodologies and practices to offer readers; practical examples and insights gleaned from major research houses such as Rand, Urban Institute, Mathematica, American Institutes for Research, and others. Key concepts and methodologies are systematically unpacked, with detailed discussion of both theoretical bases and practical applications in the field. Written in plain English, the case studies and vignettes illustrate typical approaches to different scenarios, and the checklists, templates, and other tools provide guides for action. Starting from basic social research strategies, you'll build an understanding of applied research issues and how projects are best managed in a messy, imperfect world. From conceptualization and proposal through implementation, analysis, and reporting, this book helps you lead your projects to success. Learn the skills and concepts necessary to effectively manage applied research projects for the social science disciplines Anticipate and prepare for common challenges and obstacles Understand the various roles and their requisite tasks and responsibilities Learn strategies for making effective decisions about a study's scope, work, schedule, people, budget, and risks during each phase of the research study Social science research is an essential well of information upon which society is run. Proper management is the key to any research project's success, and success becomes more critical in the field given the potential ramifications in terms of policy and its effects on real, everyday people. Managing Applied Social Research provides sound guidance and expert insight with an essential real-world focus.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118105478
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256
Book Description
Essential management guidance for real-world applied research projects Managing Applied Social Research equips you with the skills, strategies, and knowledge you need to effectively manage research projects. Written by a team of nationally-known researchers, this book covers the systematic management of applied social research studies from 'soup to nuts,' providing researchers with an easy-to-follow process and the tools and templates for improving the quality, ethical conduct, and usefulness of the final products. The authors merge expertise adapted from the field of project management with their decades of experience in using established research methodologies and practices to offer readers; practical examples and insights gleaned from major research houses such as Rand, Urban Institute, Mathematica, American Institutes for Research, and others. Key concepts and methodologies are systematically unpacked, with detailed discussion of both theoretical bases and practical applications in the field. Written in plain English, the case studies and vignettes illustrate typical approaches to different scenarios, and the checklists, templates, and other tools provide guides for action. Starting from basic social research strategies, you'll build an understanding of applied research issues and how projects are best managed in a messy, imperfect world. From conceptualization and proposal through implementation, analysis, and reporting, this book helps you lead your projects to success. Learn the skills and concepts necessary to effectively manage applied research projects for the social science disciplines Anticipate and prepare for common challenges and obstacles Understand the various roles and their requisite tasks and responsibilities Learn strategies for making effective decisions about a study's scope, work, schedule, people, budget, and risks during each phase of the research study Social science research is an essential well of information upon which society is run. Proper management is the key to any research project's success, and success becomes more critical in the field given the potential ramifications in terms of policy and its effects on real, everyday people. Managing Applied Social Research provides sound guidance and expert insight with an essential real-world focus.
Product Design and Testing for Automotive Engineering: Volume II
Author: Young J. Chiang
Publisher: SAE International
ISBN: 1468607707
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA); Reliability; Product Development; Design Process; Test Procedures "Explore Product Design and Testing for Automotive Engineering: Volume II, an essential guide reshaping vehicle manufacturing with unprecedented reliability. As part of SAE International’s DOE for Product Reliability Growth series, this practical resource introduces cutting-edge methodologies crucial for predicting and improving product reliability in an era of automotive electrification. The book navigates statistical tolerance design, showcasing how variability in part fabrication and assembly can enhance reliability and sustainability. Key topics include: - Statistical tolerance design's impact on manufacturing and material selection, focusing on non-normal distributions' effects on product assembly and cost. Methods like maximum likelihood estimators and Monte Carlo simulations are used for assembly strategy synthesis. - Reliability DOEs using log-location-scale distributions to estimate lifetimes of non-normally distributed components, especially in accelerated life testing. It covers transformations optimizing parts and system designs under the lognormal distribution. - Weibull distribution (DOE-W) for characterizing lifetimes affected by various failure modes, detailing parameter assessment methods and real-world applications. The book also introduces reliability design of experiments based on the exponential distribution (DOE-E). - Importance of predicting lifecycles and enhancing reliability through qualitative and stepwise accelerated life tests. Integration of physics of failure with statistical methods like Weibull statistics and lognormal approximation enhances analysis credibility. - Inferential mechanisms such as the Arrhenius and Eyring models in predicting automotive component lifecycles, refining product life prediction based on reliability DOEs. Whether you're an engineer, researcher, or automotive professional, this book equips you to navigate reliability engineering confidently. Revolutionize your approach to product design and testing with Product Design and Testing for Automotive Engineering, your definitive companion in shaping the future of automotive reliability." (ISBN 9781468607703 ISBN 9781468607697 ISBN 9781468607727 DOI 10.4271/9781468607697)
Publisher: SAE International
ISBN: 1468607707
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 398
Book Description
Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA); Reliability; Product Development; Design Process; Test Procedures "Explore Product Design and Testing for Automotive Engineering: Volume II, an essential guide reshaping vehicle manufacturing with unprecedented reliability. As part of SAE International’s DOE for Product Reliability Growth series, this practical resource introduces cutting-edge methodologies crucial for predicting and improving product reliability in an era of automotive electrification. The book navigates statistical tolerance design, showcasing how variability in part fabrication and assembly can enhance reliability and sustainability. Key topics include: - Statistical tolerance design's impact on manufacturing and material selection, focusing on non-normal distributions' effects on product assembly and cost. Methods like maximum likelihood estimators and Monte Carlo simulations are used for assembly strategy synthesis. - Reliability DOEs using log-location-scale distributions to estimate lifetimes of non-normally distributed components, especially in accelerated life testing. It covers transformations optimizing parts and system designs under the lognormal distribution. - Weibull distribution (DOE-W) for characterizing lifetimes affected by various failure modes, detailing parameter assessment methods and real-world applications. The book also introduces reliability design of experiments based on the exponential distribution (DOE-E). - Importance of predicting lifecycles and enhancing reliability through qualitative and stepwise accelerated life tests. Integration of physics of failure with statistical methods like Weibull statistics and lognormal approximation enhances analysis credibility. - Inferential mechanisms such as the Arrhenius and Eyring models in predicting automotive component lifecycles, refining product life prediction based on reliability DOEs. Whether you're an engineer, researcher, or automotive professional, this book equips you to navigate reliability engineering confidently. Revolutionize your approach to product design and testing with Product Design and Testing for Automotive Engineering, your definitive companion in shaping the future of automotive reliability." (ISBN 9781468607703 ISBN 9781468607697 ISBN 9781468607727 DOI 10.4271/9781468607697)
Fundamentals of Design of Experiments for Automotive Engineering Volume I
Author: Young J. Chiang
Publisher: SAE International
ISBN: 1468606026
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
In a world where innovation and sustainability are paramount, Fundamentals of Design of Experiments for Automotive Engineering: Volume I serves as a definitive guide to harnessing the power of statistical thinking in product development. As first of four volumes in SAE International’s DOE for Product Reliability Growth series, this book presents a practical, application-focused approach by emphasizing DOE as a dynamic tool for automotive engineers. It showcases real-world examples, demonstrating how process improvements and system optimizations can significantly enhance product reliability. The author, Yung Chiang, leverages extensive product development expertise to present a comprehensive process that ensures product performance and reliability throughout its entire lifecycle. Whether individuals are involved in research, design, testing, manufacturing, or marketing, this essential reference equips them with the skills needed to excel in their respective roles. This book explores the potential of Reliability and Sustainability with DOE, featuring the following topics: - Fundamental prerequisites for deploying DOE: Product reliability processes, measurement uncertainty, failure analysis, and design for reliability. - Full factorial design 2K: A system identification tool for relating objectives to factors and understanding main and interactive effects. - Fractional factorial design 2RK-P: Ideal for identifying main effects and 2-factor interactions. - General fractional factorial design LK-P: Systematically identification of significant inputs and analysis of nonlinear behaviors. - Composite designs as response surface methods: Resolving interactions and optimizing decisions with limited factors. - Adapting to practical challenges with “short” DOE: Leveraging optimization schemes like D-optimality, and A-optimality for optimal results. Readers are encouraged not to allow product failures to hinder progress but to embrace the "statistical thinking" embedded in DOE. This book can illuminate the path to designing products that stand the test of time, resulting in satisfied customers and thriving businesses. (ISBN 9781468606027, ISBN 9781468606034, ISBN 9781468606041, DOI 10.4271/9781468606034)
Publisher: SAE International
ISBN: 1468606026
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 358
Book Description
In a world where innovation and sustainability are paramount, Fundamentals of Design of Experiments for Automotive Engineering: Volume I serves as a definitive guide to harnessing the power of statistical thinking in product development. As first of four volumes in SAE International’s DOE for Product Reliability Growth series, this book presents a practical, application-focused approach by emphasizing DOE as a dynamic tool for automotive engineers. It showcases real-world examples, demonstrating how process improvements and system optimizations can significantly enhance product reliability. The author, Yung Chiang, leverages extensive product development expertise to present a comprehensive process that ensures product performance and reliability throughout its entire lifecycle. Whether individuals are involved in research, design, testing, manufacturing, or marketing, this essential reference equips them with the skills needed to excel in their respective roles. This book explores the potential of Reliability and Sustainability with DOE, featuring the following topics: - Fundamental prerequisites for deploying DOE: Product reliability processes, measurement uncertainty, failure analysis, and design for reliability. - Full factorial design 2K: A system identification tool for relating objectives to factors and understanding main and interactive effects. - Fractional factorial design 2RK-P: Ideal for identifying main effects and 2-factor interactions. - General fractional factorial design LK-P: Systematically identification of significant inputs and analysis of nonlinear behaviors. - Composite designs as response surface methods: Resolving interactions and optimizing decisions with limited factors. - Adapting to practical challenges with “short” DOE: Leveraging optimization schemes like D-optimality, and A-optimality for optimal results. Readers are encouraged not to allow product failures to hinder progress but to embrace the "statistical thinking" embedded in DOE. This book can illuminate the path to designing products that stand the test of time, resulting in satisfied customers and thriving businesses. (ISBN 9781468606027, ISBN 9781468606034, ISBN 9781468606041, DOI 10.4271/9781468606034)
Crew Resource Management Training
Author: Norman MacLeod
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000376680
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 332
Book Description
The book provides a data-driven approach to real-world crew resource management (CRM) applicable to commercial pilot performance. It addresses the shift to a systems-based resilience thinking that aims to understand how worker performance provides a buffer against failure. This book will be the first to bring these ideas together. Taking a competence-based approach offers a more coherent, relevant approach to CRM. The book presents relevant, real-world examples of the concepts and outlines a change in thinking around pilot performance and data interpretation that is overdue. Airlines, pilots and aviation industry professionals will benefit from the insights into organisational design and alternative approaches to training. FEATURES Approaches CRM from a competence-based perspective Uses a systems model to bring coherence to CRM Includes a chapter on using blended learning and virtual reality to deliver CRM Features research on work/life balance, morale, pilot fatigue and link to error Operationalises ‘resilience engineering’ in a crew context
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000376680
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 332
Book Description
The book provides a data-driven approach to real-world crew resource management (CRM) applicable to commercial pilot performance. It addresses the shift to a systems-based resilience thinking that aims to understand how worker performance provides a buffer against failure. This book will be the first to bring these ideas together. Taking a competence-based approach offers a more coherent, relevant approach to CRM. The book presents relevant, real-world examples of the concepts and outlines a change in thinking around pilot performance and data interpretation that is overdue. Airlines, pilots and aviation industry professionals will benefit from the insights into organisational design and alternative approaches to training. FEATURES Approaches CRM from a competence-based perspective Uses a systems model to bring coherence to CRM Includes a chapter on using blended learning and virtual reality to deliver CRM Features research on work/life balance, morale, pilot fatigue and link to error Operationalises ‘resilience engineering’ in a crew context
Handbook of Research on Science Education
Author: Norman G. Lederman
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000828662
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1916
Book Description
Volume III of this landmark synthesis of research offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art survey highlighting new and emerging research perspectives in science education. Building on the foundations set in Volumes I and II, Volume III provides a globally minded, up-to-the-minute survey of the science education research community and represents the diversity of the field. Each chapter has been updated with new research and new content, and Volume III has been further developed to include new and expanded coverage on astronomy and space education, epistemic practices related to socioscientific issues,design-based research, interdisciplinary and STEM education, inclusive science education, and the global impact of nature of science and scientific inquiry literacy. As with the previous volumes, Volume III is organized around six themes: theory and methods of science education research; science learning; diversity and equity; science teaching; curriculum and assessment; and science teacher education. Each chapter presents an integrative review of the research on the topic it addresses, pulling together the existing research, working to understand historical trends and patterns in that body of scholarship, describing how the issue is conceptualized within the literature, how methods and theories have shaped the outcomes of the research, and where the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps are in the literature. Providing guidance to science education faculty, scholars, and graduate students, and pointing towards future directions of the field, Handbook of Research on Science Education Research, Volume III offers an essential resource to all members of the science education community.
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1000828662
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 1916
Book Description
Volume III of this landmark synthesis of research offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art survey highlighting new and emerging research perspectives in science education. Building on the foundations set in Volumes I and II, Volume III provides a globally minded, up-to-the-minute survey of the science education research community and represents the diversity of the field. Each chapter has been updated with new research and new content, and Volume III has been further developed to include new and expanded coverage on astronomy and space education, epistemic practices related to socioscientific issues,design-based research, interdisciplinary and STEM education, inclusive science education, and the global impact of nature of science and scientific inquiry literacy. As with the previous volumes, Volume III is organized around six themes: theory and methods of science education research; science learning; diversity and equity; science teaching; curriculum and assessment; and science teacher education. Each chapter presents an integrative review of the research on the topic it addresses, pulling together the existing research, working to understand historical trends and patterns in that body of scholarship, describing how the issue is conceptualized within the literature, how methods and theories have shaped the outcomes of the research, and where the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps are in the literature. Providing guidance to science education faculty, scholars, and graduate students, and pointing towards future directions of the field, Handbook of Research on Science Education Research, Volume III offers an essential resource to all members of the science education community.
Systems Development Handbook, Fourth Edition
Author: Paul C. Tinnirello
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849398223
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 812
Book Description
The Systems Development Handbook provides practical guidance for the range of new applications problems, featuring contributions from many industry experts. The book provides step-by-step charts, tables, schematics, and a comprehensive index for easy access to topics and areas of related interest. Topics include cooperative processing; the transition to object-oriented development; rapid application development tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs); database architecture in distributed computing; development tools and techniques, including design, measurement, and production; and more.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849398223
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 812
Book Description
The Systems Development Handbook provides practical guidance for the range of new applications problems, featuring contributions from many industry experts. The book provides step-by-step charts, tables, schematics, and a comprehensive index for easy access to topics and areas of related interest. Topics include cooperative processing; the transition to object-oriented development; rapid application development tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs); database architecture in distributed computing; development tools and techniques, including design, measurement, and production; and more.
Registries for Evaluating Patient Outcomes
Author: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality/AHRQ
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 1587634333
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 385
Book Description
This User’s Guide is intended to support the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries created to increase understanding of patient outcomes. For the purposes of this guide, a patient registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect uniform data (clinical and other) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure, and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. A registry database is a file (or files) derived from the registry. Although registries can serve many purposes, this guide focuses on registries created for one or more of the following purposes: to describe the natural history of disease, to determine clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of health care products and services, to measure or monitor safety and harm, and/or to measure quality of care. Registries are classified according to how their populations are defined. For example, product registries include patients who have been exposed to biopharmaceutical products or medical devices. Health services registries consist of patients who have had a common procedure, clinical encounter, or hospitalization. Disease or condition registries are defined by patients having the same diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis or heart failure. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews.
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 1587634333
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 385
Book Description
This User’s Guide is intended to support the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries created to increase understanding of patient outcomes. For the purposes of this guide, a patient registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect uniform data (clinical and other) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure, and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. A registry database is a file (or files) derived from the registry. Although registries can serve many purposes, this guide focuses on registries created for one or more of the following purposes: to describe the natural history of disease, to determine clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of health care products and services, to measure or monitor safety and harm, and/or to measure quality of care. Registries are classified according to how their populations are defined. For example, product registries include patients who have been exposed to biopharmaceutical products or medical devices. Health services registries consist of patients who have had a common procedure, clinical encounter, or hospitalization. Disease or condition registries are defined by patients having the same diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis or heart failure. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews.