Introduction to Research Methodology

Study Notes

The lecture is about research methodology, presented by Dr. Sara Abdel Mahmoud Omer, an assistant professor in clinical chemistry and medical education, medical laboratory science.
Students will learn to define research and its types.
They will also learn the steps of scientific research.
Lastly, they will understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative research.

Research involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to address questions or solve problems.
Initial assumptions about answers to questions might seem obvious but are often just guesswork until rigorously examined scientifically.
The word "research" comes from the Middle French word “recherche," which means "to go about seeking." The term is a compound of "re-" + "cerchier" meaning "search."

Biomedical: Focuses on understanding biological processes, such as infections and heart disease.
Epidemiological: Examines the distribution and causes of diseases within populations. Identifies risk factors influencing the disease progression.
Clinical: Develops new ways to treat illnesses, through research to diagnose, prevents, and treat diseases using medications (e.g., antiretrovirals and cholesterol-lowering medications).
Health systems: Focuses on improving the functioning of healthcare systems.

Galileo is associated with the scientific method.
This method involves systematically observing a phenomenon, forming a hypothesis to explain it, making predictions based on this hypothesis, testing those predictions by conducting experiments, reviewing the results to make adjustments to the hypothesis, and finally drawing conclusions.

Selection of Research Area: Choosing the general area of study.
Selection of Research Topic: Selecting a specific focus within the area.
Formulation of the Research Question: Defining the problem to be solved with the study.
Writing a review of Biomedical Literature: reviewing existing research to gain context of existing knowledge.
Statement of a Research Problem: Clearly outlining the issue which research will address.
Formulating Research Objectives: Defining specific goals for the research.
Study Design: Developing the plan for conducting the study.
Study population & sampling: Defining the target group and the sample selection method.
Research tools (instruments): Determining how data will be collected.
Pilot Study: A trial run to test the research methods.
Work plan: Details about the necessary timing, steps, and resources.
Estimated budget & Justifications: Outlining how much money will be required and explaining the reasoning.
Data Collection: Gathering the data required.
Data Management and Interpretation: Organizing and analyzing the collected data.
Reporting: Presenting the research findings.

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the "why" and "how" behind phenomena. It is subjective, interpretive, and context-dependent, using words and ideas. Data often comes from field notes, audio recordings, or observations.
Quantitative research focuses on quantifying variation and relationships. It's objective, measurable, context-free. Focuses on numbers as data source and counts the beans.

Qualitative: Flexible study design, participant responses influence the research, and it is iterative with revisions based on collected data
Quantitative: Stable study design, participant responses do not affect research, and subject to statistical assumptions and conditions.