The most commonly used research methods in social medical research are

1. Descriptive research: it is the basis of epidemiological research. The main method is current situation research. By investigating and describing the relationship between disease distribution and various suspicious pathogenic factors, the etiology hypothesis is put forward.

2. Analysis and research: Generally, a specific population is selected to analyze and test the hypothesis of etiology or epidemic factors put forward in descriptive research. Divided into case-control study and cohort study.

3. Experimental study: Epidemiological experiments were conducted on the spot. The observed people were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, and the experimental group was given certain intervention measures. Through follow-up observation, the effect of intervention measures is judged and the hypothesis is further verified.

Extended data:

The teaching purpose of social medicine

Traditional medical education is limited to biomedical education mode, emphasizing the study of the etiology and pathogenesis of diseases, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation techniques from the perspective of biomedicine.

However, after 1950s, with the rapid development of biomedical technology, the death spectrum and disease spectrum of all countries in the world have undergone or are undergoing profound changes. Chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumors and accidental injuries have become the main causes of illness and death, and most of these diseases are closely related to human behavior and lifestyle.

Acute infectious diseases such as typhoid fever and smallpox, which seriously threatened human health in the past, were not only recognized by human beings, but also effectively controlled or eliminated. However, with the change of social life style, many new infectious diseases, such as AIDS and SARS, have become killers threatening human health all over the world.

Therefore, it is not enough to effectively prevent and treat diseases that seriously endanger health, protect people's health and improve the quality of life only by relying on the role of biomedical technology. We should pay full attention to the role of social factors, give full play to social functions, take comprehensive social health measures, and promote biomedical technology to play its best social functions.