Research Design and Methodology Quiz

Biostatistics & Research Methodology Course (BRM 497)

• This course introduces concepts in biostatistics and research methodology.
• Includes an introduction to epidemiology, research, research design, and methods of data analysis.
• Provides exercises to practice matching key terms and applying them to different activities.
• Briefly describes different types of reading like skimming, scanning and detailed reading to help students read scientific papers better.

Definition of Epidemiology

• Epidemiology is the scientific study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
• It involves systematically studying, with a data-driven approach, the frequency, pattern, and causes of health-related concerns within a population.
• Important terms include distribution, determinants, and application, each linked to epidemiological activities.

Definition of Research

• Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic, a careful investigation, or inquiry to discover new facts.
• It's a systematic effort to gain new knowledge, often through investigating and examining existing information.
• Is also defined as a structured method of investigation.

Research Definition

• Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• It involves collecting and studying material from a variety of sources for the purpose of building knowledge, advancing theories and explaining phenomena.

Purpose of Scientific Research

• Examine a phenomenon
• Provide professional credibility
• Guide clinical practice
• Guide clinical decisions
• Program evaluation
• Inform policy

Research Methods versus Methodology

• Methodology is the theoretical analysis of methods used in a field.
• Research methods are the techniques used in performing research.
• Research methods can be categorized into three groups: data collection methods, statistical techniques, and outcome accuracy evaluators.

Research Design

• Preparation of a research design considers the means of obtaining information, the availability and skills of the researcher and staff, the time and cost factors related to the research.
• The design needs to involve an explanation/justification for the chosen means of gaining information.

Research Design - Questions

• What is the study about?
• Why is the study being made?
• Where will the study be carried out?
• What is the type of data required?
• Where can the required data be found?
• What periods of time will the study include?
• What will be the sample design?
• What techniques of data collection will be used?
• How will the data be analyzed?
• In what style will the report be prepared?

Research Steps

• Define research problem
• Literature review/Gap analysis
• Formulate hypothesis or research question
• Execution of project & data collection
• Analysis of data
• Interpretation of data and testing hypothesis
• Reporting

Research

• Identify and prioritize problem
• Literature review/gap analysis
• Aim and objectives
• Methodology
• Execution
• Data Analysis
• Data presentation
• Discussion
• Reporting

Good Quality Research

• Originality/Novelty
• Contribution to knowledge
• Significance
• Technical soundness
• Critical assessment of existing work

Study Design

• A study design provides a specific plan or protocol that allows the investigator to translate a conceptual hypothesis into an operational one.
• It's a framework that includes the methods and procedures used in collecting and analyzing data on variables specified in a given research problem.

Anatomy of Research Report

• Title, Authors, Affiliations
• Abstract (summary)
• Introduction/Background
• Materials and Methods
• Results (with figures)
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements
• Author contributions
• References

How to Read a Scientific Paper

• Reading a scientific paper is a skill requiring practice and note-taking.
• It is different from reading a newspaper article.
• Reading the paper's sections in different orders is not unusual.
• Reading previous papers can add context and understanding to the paper being read.

Skimming

• A strategic, selective reading method to grasp main ideas.
• Skip details and focus on introductions, summaries, first/last sentences, bold words, and visuals.
• Previewing (reading before) and reviewing (reading after) are valuable strategies for skimming.

Scanning

• Quickly locating specific information, like key words or specific facts.
• Uses organizational clues and keywords (similar to looking up words in a dictionary or finding a name in contacts).

Detailed Reading/Intensive Reading

• Studying every word to extract accurate information.
• Using dictionaries to ensure full understanding.
• Skimming can be a helpful first step before reading in detail.

Extensive Reading

• Reading for pleasure, pastime, or general understanding.

Research Methods and Methodology

• A collection of methods and techniques to conduct research
• Research methodologies often involve a framework or analysis of the body of methods inherent to a particular field of study.