Advanced Research Methodology Introduction

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Questions and Answers

What does the alternative hypothesis suggest?

There is a uniformity among the variables.

There is no difference between groups.

It only applies to qualitative studies.

There is a difference between groups. (correct)

What characterizes exploratory research?

It does not require a clearly defined problem. (correct)

It uses control groups for comparison.

It produces quantitative data.

It tests a specific hypothesis.

What type of data does descriptive research primarily produce?

Mixed methods data.

Qualitative data.

Quantitative data. (correct)

Chronological data.

What is the primary purpose of scientific research?

To examine problems and discover answers Signup and view all the answers

In a case-control study, what is the first step in the research process?

Statement of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which quality is essential for a successful researcher?

Integrity in following the scientific method. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of addressing a research question?

Subjective analysis Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research methodology, what does the term 'method' refer to?

A specified technique or procedure Signup and view all the answers

Which research method involves observing samples drawn from a defined population?

Sampling research. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an independent variable in research?

The factor that is manipulated by the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of cohort studies?

They involve a prospective approach. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a step in the research process?

Data interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes correlational research from experimental research?

Correlational research does not involve interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What does a null hypothesis (H0) predict?

No difference between control and study groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the literature review step in the research process?

Evaluating existing knowledge and studies Signup and view all the answers

What best describes 'methodology' in research?

Overall principles and framework of research Signup and view all the answers

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.