Midterm Research Methodology PDF

# Chapter 2: Research Methodology ## DMSFI Thesis Format and APA 7th Edition Format This chapter provides a detailed description of the basic research plan or procedure on how the study will be done so that it can be reproduced by a competent colleague. The procedures are needed to judge the valid...

# Chapter 2: Research Methodology ## DMSFI Thesis Format and APA 7th Edition Format This chapter provides a detailed description of the basic research plan or procedure on how the study will be done so that it can be reproduced by a competent colleague. The procedures are needed to judge the validity of the answer. This maybe a place to begin writing then return to the introduction when a flow of words has already started. ## Assumptions and Rationale for a Qualitative Design: Qualitative Study - Discuss the assumptions about the qualitative design including its epistemology and ontology. - Discuss the rationale as to how the chosen study is fitted for the qualitative design. ## Research Design - This refers to the plan of action, approach or strategy to be used in the study. - Define the research design used, whether it is descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort or experimental, quasi-experimental, etc. - Indicate who has the authority of such definition and cite the reference. ## Setting - Describe the study area or locale of the study. - Provide justification for choosing the study area. - A map may be shown when necessary (usually for the Qualitative Study). ## Participants - Indicate the number and significant characteristics of the participants. ### Inclusion Criteria: - Specific characteristics that make the participants qualified to participate in the study. ### Exclusion Criteria: - Specific characteristics that render a certain segment of the population to be ineligible to be included in the study. ### Withdrawal Criteria: - A statement about the participant's decision to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which the participant is otherwise entitled. - A statement about the procedures for orderly termination of participation by the participant. ## Variables and Measures: Quantitative Study - Variables (IDV and DV) are characteristics that are: - Measured numerically; e.g., blood pressure - In terms of categories; e.g., presence or absence of a disease - Specify the categories or classes of the IDV and DV in terms of scales of measurement. ## The Role of the Researcher: Qualitative Study - Describe the primary role of the researcher/s during the conduct of the study. ## Sampling: Quantitative Study - Explain the process of choosing the samples that will represent the entire population. ### Sampling Design: - Explain the entire procedure on how the participants will be chosen. - There are two basic types of sampling designs: 1. Probability Sampling 2. Non-probability Sampling - State the sampling frame, whether a spot map or a list will be used. ### Randomization: - This refers to the procedure where each participant is assigned to a treatment group or control group by chance (e.g. by random numbers) to reduce the influence of extraneous factors. ### Estimation of Sample Size: - Show how sample size is derived using some formula for estimation of sample size. - This is used to consider the availability of human resources and logistics. ## Sampling: Qualitative Study - Aim: To discover meaning and to uncover multiple realities, not to generalize to a population. - Sampling questions: 1. "Who would be an information-rich data source for my study?" 2. Whom should I talk to, or what should I observe, to maximize my understanding of the phenomenon? ## Sample Size in Qualitative Study - Usually based on information needs. - Data saturation involves sampling until no new information is obtained and redundancy is achieved. - The broader the scope of the research question, the more participants will likely be needed. - If participants are insightful and can communicate effectively, saturation can be achieved with a relatively small sample. ## Data Collection Procedures: Four Phases ### Preliminary Phase: - Describe the communications prior the conduct of the study addressing to the following: - Dean of the College - Head of Agency (if applicable) - Attach a copy of the transmittal letters in the appendix. ### Instrumentation and Pilot Testing Phase: - Explain the instrument to be used in the study whether adapted, adapted-and-modified, or self-made tool. - Describe the instrument in terms of number and content of questions to be used, type of scale, how these are organized, and the method of validation. - Explain in detail how pre-testing or pilot testing will be conducted including the number of participants, recruitment, setting, instrument to be pre-tested, procedures to be used in pre-testing. - Attach a copy of the instrument in the appendix. - Attach a copy of Cronbach-alpha test and Validation tool (if applicable) in the appendix. ### Data Gathering Phase: - Explain in detail how the data will be gathered, whether through: - Observation method using instruments (like tape measure or weighing scale) - Personal interview using a structured interview schedule, self-administered interview, key informant interview and/or focus group discussion. - Describe the enumerators (or facilitator for FGD) in terms of their educational attainment, employment status, experience as interviewers/observers, method and duration of training for the study. - Describe here when the study will start and when it will end. ### Data Tabulation and Storage Phase: - Describe the tabulation method to be used. - Explain the storage of the data, data privacy and confidentiality, and authorization to access the data. - Describe the duration of data storage and disposal of the data after certain duration of keeping. - Storage of Data: Five years ## Data Analysis: Quantitative Study - Indicate the descriptive statistics: 1. Frequency distribution and Percentage 2. Measures of Central Tendency (e.g., Weighted Mean) 3. Measures of Dispersion (e.g., Standard Deviation) - Indicate the type of inferential statistical test/s: 1. Parametric Statistics (e.g., t-test, Pearson r) 2. Non-parametric Statistics (e.g., U-test, Spearman rho) ## Data Analysis: Quantitative Study (cont.) - Indicate the decision making criteria (alpha level) and computer software (e.g., MS Excel and SPSS) that will be used in the study. - Refer to the specific objectives and null hypotheses as a guide in the identification of appropriate statistical tool. ## Data Analysis: Qualitative Study 1. Indicate the coding scheme: - Descriptive coding - Process coding - Concept coding - In vivo coding - Holistic coding 2. Methods of organizing qualitative data: - Conceptual files: physical file - Computer-assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS): computer programs ## Data Analysis: Qualitative Study (cont.) 3. Indicate the analytic procedure (based on the type of design used in the study): - Qualitative Content Analysis - Thematic Analysis - Phenomenological-Interpretive Analysis: - Van Kaam's Method - Colaizzi's Method - Giorgi's Method - Van Manen's Method - Benner's Hermeneutical Analysis - Ethnographic Analysis - Grounded Theory Analysis: - Glaser's Method - Strauss and Corbin's Approach - Charmaz Approach (Constructivist) ## Delimitations - Sets the parameters of the study by accepting what should be included, and rejecting what should be excluded. - The researcher states specific constraints such as: 1. Scope or Coverage 2. Expected Manageability of the Problem 3. Limitations of the Study ### Delimitations: Scope or Coverage This spells out the context of the study in terms of subject, concepts, and specific characteristics of the phenomenon, treatment, sampling, and time frame. ### Delimitations: Expected Manageability of the Problem In experimental studies, internal and external constraints may affect validity and reliability of findings. ### Delimitations: Limitations of the Study The study may be limited by anticipated shortfalls and specific constraints. Such as weaknesses in methodology and design, the exclusion of certain sectors of the population, statistical treatment and analysis, and failure to get a representative sampling must be clearly stated. ## Ethical Considerations - Describe the ethical issues that will be observed to protect the rights, safety, privacy and sensitivity of laboratory animals and/or human participants as well as the researchers themselves, the community, and the environment. - If the study deals with human participants, state clearly how informed consent is obtained. ### Ethical Considerations (cont.) - Discuss briefly about the purpose of the ethical considerations and the completion of necessary requirements issued by the Research Ethics Committee (REC). - Attach a copy of informed consent form (ICF) in the appendix in which reflecting the 15 elements of implied consent in the ethical considerations. - Discuss the 14 elements based on DMSFI-REC including the implied consent: 1. Protection of Human Rights: - Principle of Justice - Principle of Respect for Human Dignity - Principle of Beneficence 2. Risk-Benefit Ratio Assessment 3. Implied Consent: - Purpose and conduct of the study - Research procedures - Alternatives - Type of data to be collected - Potential risks and inconveniences - Potential benefits - Provision for medical or psychosocial support - Provision for injury or related illness - Sponsorship - Compensation - Pledge of confidentiality - Voluntary consent - Right to withdraw and withhold information - Sharing the results - Contact information 4. Authorization to Access Private Information 5. Privacy and Confidentiality 6. Debriefing, Communication, and Referrals 7. Incentives or Compensation 8. Conflict of Interest 9. Vulnerability Assessment 10. Collaborative Study Terms of Reference 11. Qualification of the Researcher/s and/or Co-Author 12. Adequacy of Facilities 13. Community Involvement 14. Specimen Handling ==End of OCR for page 36==