Description of the Method
Since I do not have an opportunity to arrange two groups of respondents, the research design was chosen for the project is non-experimental. I intend to investigate the healing power of Botox in dentistry that is emphasized by some researchers (Azam, Manchanda, Thotapalli, & Kotha, 2015; Nayyar, Kumar, Nayyar, & Singh, 2014). Although some studies investigate the use of Botox in dentistry, its capability of reducing pain has not been analyzed to a sufficient extent.
The non-experimental design is known to have the least power to block out extraneous variables. Also, the lack of a control group may undermine the validity of the study. However, the non-experimental design is the most frequently applied one. To carry out my research project, I will use a survey, the questions of which will provide answers to the hypothesis of the study. The survey will include closed-ended questions. In order to measure the degrees of difference, a Likert scale will be employed. The participants will be required to read statements and choose how they feel about them. The following options will be provided: strongly disagree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree, agree, strongly agree.
A self-administered survey is not only less expensive and time-consuming but also faster to conduct. Although interview schedule surveys are known to provide better response rates, I came up with the idea of enhancing my chances for good response rates. I will approach several dentist’s offices that employ Botox for relieving pain and ask doctors to request their patients’ participation in the study. I think that if the inquiry is made by someone people respect and trust, they will gladly agree to answer the questions.
To increase the likelihood of people’s agreement to answer survey questions, I will add a cover page to the survey (see Appendix A). The survey will consist of five questions (see Appendix B).
Sample Population
The lack of a control group in a non-experimental design should be compensated by the number of participants. The sample needs to be large so as to give me the possibility to draw the most accurate results. At the same time, it is necessary to limit the focus of research in order to reduce the difficulties associated with processing too much data. Since I am planning to deliver the surveys to dentists and pick up the patients’ answers myself, I need to limit the geographic area of research.
I decided to focus on several hospitals in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Because I need the participants to answer questions about their prior experiences of visiting dentist’s offices and their pain perceptions, I need to limit the sample by age. Thus, only people at the age of eighteen and older will be eligible for participation. No limitations concerning gender, ethnicity, or occupation will be set.
The number of participants will be 500. I find such a sample sufficient for providing the most accurate results and eliminating the invalidity of results.
Data Collection
I want to collect the data concerning the frequency of patients’ visits to the dentist’s office and their impression of Botox as a pain-relieving technique. Additional data that might be helpful to analyze the results is patients’ age and gender. No personal information will be inquired, but I will leave my email address for the participants in case they have some questions.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis that will be tested in research is, “The use of Botox in dentistry promotes pain reduction.”
Variables
The hypothesis requires the identification of independent and dependent variables of research. The independent variable of the study is the use of Botox. The dependent variable is pain reduction. Thus, the study aims at investigating the connection between the two variables that will enable the support or rejection of the hypothesis.
Appendix A
A Cover Page of the Survey
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is… I would like to research the use of Botox in dentistry in order to find out how it impacts patients’ perceptions of pain. The results of the research will be useful for many people as they may indicate that the new method applied in dentistry is successful, and then it will be possible to introduce it to more dentist’s offices.
In case you have any questions or suggestions, please, contact me via email: [email protected]
Participation in the survey is voluntary. Please, pay attention that it will not take much time and will not require any personal data. Your cooperation is highly appreciated and can help many people to forget about anxiety before visiting their dentists.
Appendix B
A Survey Sample
References
Azam, A., Manchanda, S., Thotapalli, S., & Kotha, S. B. (2015). Botox therapy in dentistry: A Review. Journal of International Oral Health, 7(Suppl. 2), 103-105.
Nayyar, P., Kumar, P., Nayyar, P. V., & Singh, A. (2014). Botox: Broadening the horizon of dentistry. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(12), ZE25-ZE29.