Introduction To Research Methodology PDF

Introduction to Research Methodology Dr: Sara Abdel Mahmoud Omer Assistance professor in clinical chemistry and medical education, medical laboratory science. Objectives By the end of this lecture students will able to:  Define what is research and what are...

Introduction to Research Methodology Dr: Sara Abdel Mahmoud Omer Assistance professor in clinical chemistry and medical education, medical laboratory science. Objectives By the end of this lecture students will able to:  Define what is research and what are its types  Identify steps of scientific research  Understanding the key differences between qualitative and quantitative research  What is Research  We may already think we know the answer to our question already We may think the answer is obvious, common sense even But until we have subjected our problem to rigorous scientific scrutiny, our 'knowledge' remains little more than guesswork or at best, intuition.  Etymology  The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term "recerchier," a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning 'search'. The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.  What is Research ?  Research is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem Types of research in health Clinical Biomedical Clinical: discover new ways to prevent, diagnose, and improve understanding of biological processes treat disease (antiretrovirals, cholesterol-lowering (infections, heart disease) medications) Epidemiological: Health systems improve understanding of distribution of disease in a improve the effectiveness of functioning health systems. population, risk factors Galileo Galilei  Scientific Method The scientific method is popularly attributed to Galileo who, in 1590, dropped iron balls of two different weights off the Leaning Tower of Pizza. He wanted to test his hypothesis that the forces acting on a falling object were independent of the object's weight. He was correct and so refuted the previously held belief that heavier objects would fall faster than light objects. The steps he took:  observation,  hypothesis generation,  testing of the hypothesis  and refutation or acceptance of the original hypothesis  Scientific Method Development of hypothesis to 1 Observation of phenomena 2 explain observation. Development of predictions 3 based on hypothesis. 4 Experiments conducted to test predictions 5 Data collection and analysis (data can be numerical, graphical, visual observations, case studies, etc.). 6 Modify hypothesis until it is consistent with the observations 7 Derive conclusion The Scientific Method Is based on logical organization and clearly defined measurement techniques Makes results more accurate Other, less scientific methods:  Trial and error  Tradition 10 Steps of Scientific Research 1 Selection of Research Area 2 Selection of Research Topic 3 Formulation of the Research Question Steps of Scientific Research Writing a review of Biomedical 4 Literature 5 Statement of a Research Problem 6 Formulating Research Objectives Steps of Scientific Research Study Design 7 8 Study population & sampling 9 Research tools (instruments) Steps of Scientific Research Pilot Study 10 11 Work plan 12 Estimated budget & Justifications) Steps of Scientific Research Data Collection 13 14 Data Management and Interpretation 15 Reporting  Types of Research Qualitative Quantitative Technically, qualitative and quantitative are different “approaches to inquiry” rather than distinctly different research methodology categories. However, the qualitative / quantitative differentiation facilitates explanation of different research methodologies. Quantitative Research is Objective Qualitative Research is S ubjective Research Questions include How many” Research Questions include “What” “How” and “Strength of association” and “Why” Tests a Theory Develops a Theory Measurable Interpretive Basic element of analysis is numbers Basic element of analysis is words/ideas Context free Context dependent “Counts the beans” Provides information as to "which beans are worth counting“ Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Seek to confirm hypotheses about Seek to explore phenomena phenomena Instruments use more rigid style of Instruments use more flexible, iterative eliciting and categorizing responses to style of eliciting and categorizing questions responses to questions Use highly structured methods such Use semi-structured methods such as as questionnaires, surveys, and in-depth interviews, focus groups, and structured observation participant observation Quantitative Research Qualitative Research To quantify variation To describe variation To predict causal relationships To describe and explain relationships Closed-ended questions Open-ended questions Numerical (obtained by assigning Textual (obtained from audiotapes, numerical values to responses) videotapes, and field notes) Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Study design is stable from Some aspects of the study are flexible ) beginning to end Participant responses do not Participant responses affect how and influence or determine how and which questions researchers ask next which questions researchers ask next Study design is subject to statistical Study design is iterative, that is, data assumptions and conditions collection and research questions are adjusted according to what is learned  Take Home Message 1 2 3 It is crucial to follow Research is what we The Researcher is cascading scientific do when we have a Goal-oriented steps when conducting question or a Pragmatic one’ s research problem we want to Possesses a dogged resolve sense of determination.  k you Than