Research Methodology Overview

Research Methodology

• Research is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer a question or solve a problem.

Steps of Conducting Research

• A. Prioritizing and Selecting a Research Topic:

  • Relevance: The topic should address a significant problem, considering its size, scope, impact, and who is affected.
  • Avoid Duplication: Ensure the topic hasn't been extensively studied before.

• B. Literature Review:

  • Examining existing information is crucial to avoid duplication and understand previous research related to the chosen topic.
  • Literature reviews provide compelling arguments for the need for the study.

• C. Development of a Research Proposal:

  • Contents: A research proposal should include a title, introduction, research objectives, methodology, work plan, references, and appendices.

• D. Implementation of Study:

  • Includes data collection, processing, analysis, interpretation, final report writing, and presenting results.

Components of Research Process

• 1. Purpose: The overall aim of the research.
• 2. Research Questions: Questions to be answered by the research.
• 3. Assumptions: Underlying beliefs and ideas.
• 4. Sampling Methods: How the sample for the study will be selected.
• 5. Data Collection Methods: Techniques used to gather data.
• 6. Research Methods: Approaches to conducting the research study.
• 7. Quality Criteria: Standards for evaluating the quality of the research study.
• 8. Data Analysis: Examining the data collected to identify trends.
• 9. Report Writing: Preparing and presenting the findings.

I. Title of the Research

• A concise, accurate title (10-12 words) clearly relating to the study's purpose.
• Specify the investigated population and location of the study.
• Avoid redundant phrases like "A study of..."

II. Introduction (Background Information and Statement of the Research Problem)

• Provide background context related to the study's topic.
• State the research question clearly and concisely.
• Explain the importance of the topic.
• Summarize existing knowledge on the topic.
• Highlight knowledge gaps or problematic areas.
• Present findings from relevant prior studies (using past tense).
• Clearly articulate the research questions.

III. Research Goals and Objectives

• Goals: Broad statements outlining the aims of the study.
• Objectives: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) statements that guide the study's direction.

IV. Methodology

• Identify variables (independent, dependent, confounding).
• Classify variables as numerical (continuous/discrete) or categorical (ordinal/nominal).
• Clearly define variables.

V. Work Plan

• Detail tasks to be performed.
• Specify timelines for each task.
• Identify individuals responsible for each task.

VI. References

• References should be numbered in the order they appear in the report.
• The complete list of references follows a specific format (e.g., Vancouver system).

VII. Annexes

• Include interview schedules, questionnaires, informed consent forms, and ethical approvals.

D. Final Report Writing

• Components: Title page, abstract, introduction, objectives, methodology, and other sections as necessary (results, discussion, conclusions, recommendations, references, and appendices).

VI. Research Results

• Plan results that answer research questions.
• Present results in a logical order.
• Use tables/figures for clarity.
• Ensure tables and figures have a strong visual impact and are informative.

VII. Discussion

• Interpret results in relation to the research questions.
• Explain findings and unexpected findings.
• Describe clinical significance and implications of the findings.

VIII. Conclusions

• Summarize the main findings of the study.
• State the implications of the conclusions.

IX. Recommendations

• Offer suggestions and actions based on findings.
• Target recommendations to relevant audiences (e.g., policy makers, healthcare professionals).

X. References

• Complete list of cited sources in alphabetical order by author's last name.
• Include only referenced sources that were used in the study.

XI. Annexes or Appendices

• Include supporting materials like interview schedules, consent forms, ethical approvals.

Verb Tenses

• Present: Used for instructions, general statements, and stable conditions.
• Past: Used for procedures and results (action completed in the past).