MAFS 303 Lecture 1: Introduction to Research

MAFS 303: Biostatistics and Research Method - Lecture 1

• Course name: MAFS 303: Biostatistics and Research Method
• Lecture title: Introduction to Research
• Learning objectives: Overview of research, types of research, aspects and core elements of research

Research

• Research is a systematic process, involving gathering data, recording important information, and analyzing and interpreting the data according to established academic and professional procedures.
• Research involves both inductive and deductive methods.
• Research aims to obtain the information and knowledge needed for problem-solving and decision-making.

Characteristics of Research

• A good research is characterized by:
  • Controlled: Research design should minimize the influence of other factors affecting the relationship between variables.
  • Rigorous: Methods used to get answers to questions must be relevant, appropriate, and justified.
  • Empirical: Processes adopted should be tested for accuracy and each step should be coherent. Conclusions are based on firm data gathered from real-life experiences or observations.
  • Systematic: Procedure must be carefully drafted to optimize resource utilization and the steps should follow a logical sequence to the desired outcome.
  • Hypothesis: Making a hypothesis is the first step in any research project, developing a theory or assumption based on limited information to initiate further investigation.

Types of Research

• Research can be classified based on perspective and objectives.
• General perspectives used for categorization include:
  • Application of research study
  • Objectives in undertaking the research

Types of Research - Classification based on Application

• Pure/Basic/Fundamental Research: Examines parts of a topic or issue for the first time, developing and testing ideas, often intellectually demanding but not immediately practical. It entails generation of scientific data and recommendations for future research.
• Applied/Decisional Research: Carried out to solve specific problems, formulate policies, manage operations, and understand processes. It's built on the foundation of pure research.

Types of Research - Classification based on Objectives

• Descriptive Research: Focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through data collection. Descriptive studies describe the behavior of a sample population. Only one variable is required. It answers questions of who, what, when, where, and how with a research question.
• Explanatory Research: Focuses on developing, clarifying, testing, or explaining why something happens. It emphasizes demonstrating, describing, and presenting current knowledge. Experiments, like studies on the impact of sea winds on seasonal temperature variation, are a common form. It establishes cause-and-effect connections.
• Exploratory Research: Aims to identify solutions for issues that are not yet thoroughly investigated, developing objectives, operational definitions, and enhancing the final study design. It determines best research design, data collection method, and subject selection. This type of research is often done when the problem is at a beginning stage

Types of Research

• Qualitative Research: A method for collecting data using conversational methods, generally with open-ended questions; responses are non-numerical. It aims to understand participant thoughts and reasoning.
• Quantitative Research: Deals with numbers and measurable forms. It uses a systematic way to investigate events or data and answer questions about relationships between measurable variables to explain, predict or control a phenomenon.
• Analytical Research: Uses existing facts and information to analyze and evaluate a situation.
• Conceptual Research: Associated with theoretical ideas or presuppositions. It develops new concepts or deeper understanding of existing concepts used by philosophers and thinkers.
• Empirical Research: Draws data from experience or observation, often without due regard for systems or theories.

Comparing Research Types

• Exploratory Research (Approach): Unstructured, (Time): Early stages of decision-making, (Conducted through): Asking questions.
• Descriptive Research (Approach): Structured (Time): Later stages of decision-making,(Conducted through): Asking questions.
• Explanatory Research (Approach): Highly structured, (Time): Later stages of decision-making, (Conducted through): By using hypotheses.

Scientific Method of Research

• Five steps:
  • Observe and ask questions
  • Research
  • Formulate a hypothesis
  • Test hypothesis
  • Analysis and Conclusion

How to Conduct Accurate Research

• Steps to conduct accurate research:
  • Identify trends, issues, and problems, describing each in a sentence.
  • Track frequency of findings.
  • List findings from most common to least.
  • Evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through SWOT analysis.
  • Prepare conclusions and recommendations.
  • Act on strategies.
  • Look for gaps in information; consider additional inquiry if necessary.
  • Analyse results employing effective methods for interpretation.

Overview of research methodologies, including data gathering, analysis, and interpretation. Explores inductive and deductive methods, emphasizing problem-solving and informed decision-making. Highlights key characteristics of good research, such as controlled design and rigorous methods.