Question

Dr. Meadows is curious about football players and the risk of

concussions. He is interested in knowing which positions on the football
team are more likely to be at risk for getting a concussion so that better
equipment can be developed for players at those positions. Identify two
different research methods Dr. Meadows can use to study this issue, and
explain why each would be a good choice.

Answer 1

Dr. Meadows can use epidemiological studies to analyze existing injury data and concussion rates, and prospective cohort studies to follow players over time, to identify football positions at higher risk for concussions, enabling the development of better safety equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dr. Meadows is interested in assessing the risk of concussions among football players and identifying which positions may be more susceptible to these injuries to improve safety equipment. Two research methods he could use are:

• Epidemiological studies: By analyzing past injury data and concussion rates among players in different positions, Dr. Meadows can identify patterns and positions with higher risks. This method relies on existing injury reports and statistics from both amateur and professional levels, such as the NCAA and NFL data.
• Prospective cohort studies: In this longitudinal approach, Dr. Meadows can follow a group of players over a period of time to observe the incidence of concussions. This method allows for more controlled data collection and the ability to monitor changes in equipment or playing styles and their effects on concussion rates.

Both methods would provide valuable insights, with epidemiological studies offering a broad view based on existing data, and prospective cohort studies providing specific, controlled information over time. Understanding the risk associated with different positions can pave the way for innovative safety equipment and protocols in football.