Translational Research Graphic Organizer
| Basic to Clinical Translational Research | Correlational Quantitative Research | Observations (Similarities/Differences) | |
| Methodology | Translational research incorporates methods that transform the basic tests conducted in the laboratory to viable, evidence-based practice (Lane-Fall, Curran, & Beidas, 2019). Basic to clinical translational research involves laboratory manipulation of interventions and studies done on animals. Tests are done for compounds and on animals with observations recorded and adjusted appropriately to suit human conditions (Lane-Fall, Curran, & Beidas, 2019). After the basic stage of improving the compound, it is moved to the clinical phase. Human trials begin systematically applying the compound to humans and observing the reactions and mechanisms while adjusting it necessarily (Lane-Fall, Curran, & Beidas, 2019). | In correlational research, the investigator assesses the statistical relationship between two measured variables without any intention or little intentions to control extraneous parameters. The analysis generates a correlation coefficient that is an indicator of the extent of the relationship between the two variables being studied. Calculation of correlation is done in one of the three forms available: Autocorrelation, Spearman Rank Correlation, or Pearson product-moment correlation (Apuke, 2017). Autocorrelation involves the investigation of relationships between data from the same variable but at different times. Spearman Rank Correlation is done following data sorting and assigning of specific ranks to the data. The Pearson product-moment correlation is calculated by obtaining the ratio of the sample of the variables under study and the product of their standard deviations to illustrate linear relationship strengths (Apuke, 2017). | Both translational and correlational quantitative research involves the analysis of measurable parameters used in establishing conclusions and answering research questions. While translational research involves logical steps conducted sequentially, the correlational study involves instantaneous analysis to prove relationships without defined intention to impact clinical practice. |
| Goals | The goal of translational research is to produce meaningful results that can be applied for the direct benefit of human health. The study aims at moving the discoveries in basic sciences quickly and efficiently into clinical practice (Childerhose et al., 2019). Translational research thereby bridges the gap between varied areas of expertise and facilitates transitions effectively, with lower costs and quicker (Childerhose et al., 2019).
| The first goal of a correlational analysis is to establish whether the statistical relationship between variables is causal. In this case, the variables are independent of each other; therefore, they do not employ the terms “dependent” or “independent” variables (Curtis, Comiskey, & Dempsey, 2016). The second objective of the correlational analysis is to establish links where there is a presumed causal statistical relationship between variables. Still, the independent variable cannot be manipulated since it is unethical, impractical, or impossible to do so (Curtis, Comiskey, & Dempsey, 2016). | Translational research aims to generate solutions and transfer observations to wider audiences in the population, while correlational study aims to expand an understanding of observed variables. Translational studies involve actual interventions with subjects to affect their functioning, whereas, in translational research, the researcher can achieve their objective without any direct interventions on the subjects of study. The realization of the goal of translational research involves human participants’ actual involvement, while correlational studies can include a wide range of subjects. |
| Data Collection | Data collection in each phase of translational research from basic to clinical depends on the type of study being carried out. In the early stages of translational research, when the researchers study the compounds in the laboratory, data is collected about the effectiveness of the components in in-vitro systems. The next step of translational research, animal trials, involves data collection through observation of effects and behaviors in the animals and tests on the activity of the elements (Kalkman et al., 2019). The clinical phase of translational research involves data collection by observation, obtaining laboratory test results, and self-reported data of symptoms. Sometimes, the data is obtained from attending physicians who asses the patients and make conclusions that are regarded as data for decision making (Kalkman et al., 2019). | Assessment of correlations between variables involves one of the three data collection methods; archival data, naturalistic observation, and survey research (Seeram, 2019). The archival data collection approach involves the use of data that had been collected for some other purpose and stored following the completion of their original intentions. This method takes a similar approach to content analysis that employs a systematic approach towards establishing measurement by using archival data. Content analysis of archival data uses specific phrases and keywords or ideas that extracts the occurrences within the dataset, which are consequently timed, counted, or analyzed in various ways (Seeram, 2019). Naturalistic observation involves the researcher observing the behaviors and occurrences within their natural environment. Due to the occurrence of naturalistic observation in a setting considered chaotic, the researcher has to establish a sampling procedure to define the time frame and space over which observation and data collection occurs. Thereafter, the researcher defines the measurement of the observed data (Seeram, 2019). | Both translational and correlational studies involve the collection of observational data from the study subjects. While correlational data collection may take place in an uncontrolled setting, translational research data collection often occurs in precisely controlled environments in the early stages to establish accurate observations that would inform subsequent modifications (Kalkman et al., 2019). |
References
Apuke, O. D. (2017). Quantitative research methods: A synopsis approach. Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 33(5471), 1-8.
Childerhose, J. E., Finnila, C. R., Yu, J. H., Koenig, B. A., McEwen, J., Berg, S. L., … & Brothers, K. B. (2019). Participant Engagement in Translational Genomics Research: Respect for Persons—and Then Some. Ethics & human research, 41(5), 2-15.
Curtis, E. A., Comiskey, C., & Dempsey, O. (2016). Importance and use of correlational research. Nurse researcher, 23(6).
Kalkman, S., Mostert, M., Udo-Beauvisage, N., Van Delden, J. J., & Van Thiel, G. J. (2019). Responsible data sharing in a big data-driven translational research platform: lessons learned. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 19(1), 1-7.
Lane-Fall, M. B., Curran, G. M., & Beidas, R. S. (2019). Scoping implementation science for the beginner: locating yourself on the “subway line” of translational research. BMC medical research methodology, 19(1), 133.
Seeram, E. (2019). An Overview of Correlational Research. Radiologic Technology, 91(2), 176-179.