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Questions and Answers
What does the alternative hypothesis suggest?
What characterizes exploratory research?
What type of data does descriptive research primarily produce?
What is the primary purpose of scientific research?
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In a case-control study, what is the first step in the research process?
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Which quality is essential for a successful researcher?
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Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of addressing a research question?
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In the context of research methodology, what does the term 'method' refer to?
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Which research method involves observing samples drawn from a defined population?
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What defines an independent variable in research?
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What is the main characteristic of cohort studies?
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Which of the following is a step in the research process?
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What distinguishes correlational research from experimental research?
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What does a null hypothesis (H0) predict?
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What is the main focus of the literature review step in the research process?
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What best describes 'methodology' in research?
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Study Notes
Course Introduction
- Course title: Advanced Research Methodology
- Instructor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Hadi M Ismail
- Qualifications: BDS, MSc, PhD
- Course materials include: Dr Ranjdar, Adham, Dr Sarhang
- Subject outline available on a Telegram Group
- Introduction to research methodology
What Is Research?
- Scientific research is a rational approach
- Used to examine problems, discover precise answers to questions
Purpose of Research
- Earn doctorates or masters degrees
- Meet curiosity
- Make discoveries
- Provide innovative solutions to complex problems
- Develop new products
- Save costs
- Advance science
- Acquire new knowledge
- Improve the well-being of society
Key Characteristics of Research Questions
- Organized, planned, and with a proposal
- Scientific, reproducible, feasible, and reliable
- Systematic and following clearly defined steps
Research Process Overview
- Problem identification (1)
- Literature review (2)
- Research design (3)
- Data collection (4)
- Data analysis (5)
- Interpretation (6)
- Reporting (7)
Research Project Process
- Identify a gap in the literature, select a topic of interest
- Choose methodology and method
- Develop a proposal and seek ethical approval
- Conduct research and analyze findings
- Write up, edit, and revise results
- Final touches and submit the project
Definitions
- Method: Specific technique or procedure for a task, research, or problem-solving
- Methodology: Broader term encompassing underlying principles, theoretical framework, and approach of a field of study
- Guides researchers in making decisions about data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Variables
- Variable: Measurable factor that varies during research, with more than one value
- Independent variable: Cause, risk factor (manipulated in research)
- Dependent variable: Effect, outcome (responds to changes, analyzed for the objective)
Hypothesis
- Statement in response to a research question—based on researcher's experience and findings from previous studies
- Null hypothesis (H0): Predicts no difference between control and study groups
- Alternative hypothesis: Assumes differences or associations between variables within groups
Participants/Samples
- Participants/samples drawn from a population with specific characteristics
- Most research uses a sample from a defined population due to substantial populations
- Sampling: Choosing portions of a population for observation and study
Researcher
- Researcher: Individual conducting studies using rigorous methodology to produce new knowledge
- Research must be based on facts within the scientific community's framework
- A successful researcher is curious, has integrity, analytical ability, critical thinking, receptive to criticism (professionally), open-minded, and objective
Types of Dental Research
- Exploratory
- Descriptive
- Experimental
- Correlational
- Qualitative
- Quantitative
Research Based on Time
- Cross-sectional: Data collection at one point in time
- Longitudinal: Data collection over an extended period
- Retrospective: Looking back at past data
- Prospective: Looking forward from the present to the future (observational, experimental)
- Different methodological types and designs
Research Based on Location
- Field research (e.g., dental clinic)
- Library research (e.g., systematic review, meta-analysis)
Research Based on Data Type
- Qualitative research: One-on-one interviews, focus groups, ethnographic research, case study research, record keeping, qualitative observation
- Quantitative research
Research Based on Application
- Fundamental (or basic) research: Basic knowledge discovery
- Applied research: Practical problem-solving
- Developmental research: Focus on improvement or change
Research Based on Main Question or Objectives
- Exploratory: Discovering or gaining initial knowledge
- Descriptive: Describing characteristics or concepts of a population
- Analytical (explanatory): Analyzing relationships or causes and effects
Steps of Exploratory Research
- Problem recognition (not clearly defined) at a preliminary stage
- Methods to explore the problem (no hypothesis, no control groups, no interventions or variable manipulations)
- Produces qualitative data, no conclusive result, leads to further research
Steps of Descriptive Research
- Recognize the problem
- Define a hypothesis
- Plan methods to answer the question
- No control groups, no interventions, uncontrolled variables
- Produces quantitative data, conclusive result
Case-Control Retrospective Study
- Choosing a study population based on a disease's presence or absence.
Steps in the Case-Control Survey
- Clear statement of criteria (inclusion, exclusion, matching to increase validity)
- Selecting individuals with the disease
- Selecting individuals without the disease (control)
- Measuring the interested risk factor retrospectively
- Data analysis for cause-and-effect relationships
Cohort Study
- Selecting a disease-free sample (population of interest)
- Determining those exposed to a specific risk factor
- Comparing disease occurrence in exposed and non-exposed groups over time
Steps of the Prospective Cohort Study
- Determines the population of interest
- Selecting disease-free samples in the population
- Identifying subjects exposed to the risk factor vs those not
- Tracking the occurrence or non-occurrence of the disease over time in each group
Clinical Trial
- Population of interest
- Random sampling
- Study sample with a particular disease
- Random assignment of subjects to treatment and control groups
- Evaluating effects over time
Steps in the Experimental Study
- Identifying the relevant population of interest
- Determining a sample using random sampling
- Obtaining informed consent prior to the experiment
- Randomly assigning participants to intervention and control groups
- Following subjects under rigorous conditions for a specific timeframe
- Appropriate statistical methods to compare and conclude
Hierarchy of Research Design
- Ranked designs (1-7) from randomized controlled trials as the most rigorous to case reports, based on the level of evidence.
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Description
Explore the foundational aspects of advanced research methodology. This quiz covers the purpose of research, characteristics of research questions, and the research process overview. Perfect for students aiming to deepen their understanding of scientific research methods.
