Nature of Research: An Overview

• This session provides an overview of the nature of research.
• Subsequent sessions will analyze each stage of the research process in greater detail.

What is research?

• Posing questions is a constant human activity.
• Research represents a formal approach to systematically investigate these questions.
• It uses methodologies to investigate questions.
• Research is a systematic investigation (collection, analysis, and interpretation of data) to answer a specific question and to develop new knowledge
• Research findings have the privilege of being published.

Types of research in health

• Biomedical research aims to understand biological processes like infections and heart disease.
• Clinical research focuses on discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, such as using antiretroviral or cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Epidemiological research seeks to understand the frequency and distribution of diseases within a population, along with identifying risk factors.
• Health systems research explores and evaluates the effectiveness of functioning health systems.

Scientific Method

• The scientific method is attributed to Galileo, who tested his hypothesis about falling objects in 1590 at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Galileo disproved the belief that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones.
• Galileo dropped iron balls of two different weights off the Leaning Tower of Pizza.
• The forces acting on a falling object were independent of the object's weight.
• The steps that he took included observation, hypothesis generation, testing of the hypothesis, and refutation or acceptance of the original hypothesis.
• The scientific method involves observation of phenomena.
• Develop a hypothesis to explain the said phenomena.
• Develop predictions based on the hypothesis and conduct experiments to test those predictions.
• Data collection and analysis happens afterwards (numerical, graphical, visual observations, case studies, etc.).
• Modify the hypothesis until it is consistent with observations and then derive a conclusion.
• It relies on logical organization and defined measurement techniques.
• Using the scientific method makes results more accurate.
• Trial and error, tradition, and emotion are considered less scientific methods.

Basic Research Approaches

• Quantitative research includes the use of surveys.
• Qualitative research includes face-to-face interviews, focus groups, and site visits.

Research Motivation

• Research is motivated by problem solving, situational analysis, evidence-based medicine, development, and personal interests.

Finding a research topic

• Selecting a research topic is the most important decision for graduate work.
• Choose a topic that interests you and engages your imagination to stay motivated.
• Passion for a research area provides the determination needed to achieve research goals.

Key Questions for Research Planning

• What do you want to know?
• How can you find out what you want to know?
• Where can you obtain the necessary information?
• Whom do you need to ask to get relevant data?
• When does the research need to be completed?
• Why is answering this question important?

Research Steps

• State the problem and the testable hypothesis.
• Plan the methods and carry out the study.
• Analyze data using statistics and state the conclusions.
• This may lead to stating a new research question.