The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64635

Denise J. Drevdahl, RN, PhD, Nursing Program, University of Washington, Tacoma, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358421, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100, 253-692-5671, drevdahl@u.washington.edu

Scientists conduct investigations within various racial and ethnic groups. However, categorizing according to race and ethnicity is often a perplexing and confusing process. Although these concepts appear in many scientific inquiries, ongoing discussion continues regarding the validity of race and ethnicity as research variables and the role these concepts should play in research. Race and ethnicity are often vaguely defined and poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine methods researchers use to classify the race and/or ethnicity of their research participants. Twenty primary investigators conducting research involving human subjects were interviewed about the collection of race and/or ethnic variables in their studies. Interviewed scientists had doctoral degrees from a variety of disciplines (e.g., Social Welfare, Nursing, Epidemiology, Psychology, Human Genetics, Sociology), and had conducted research for an average of 18 years. When interviewed, all informants either were designing a study or collecting data. Analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed wide variance in the amount of attention scientists gave to the collection of race and/or ethnic variables. The majority of the participants in this study stated that they collect these variables primarily because of funding agency requirements. Many informants could not recall what specific categories they used to collect the data. All interviewees struggled with defining race and ethnicity and articulating a difference between the two concepts. Findings point to the need for greater understanding of the meaning of race and ethnicity as research variables, particularly as researchers attempt to address health inequalities.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• 1.Describe dilemmas regarding using race and ethnicity as research variables
• 2.Identify methods researchers use to collect racial and ethnic data

Keywords: Ethnicity, Data Collection

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.