Formulating the research methodology & Data collection methods

Research MethodsAss. Professor, Community Medicine,Community Medicine Dept,College of Medicine.

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Module 1: Learning outcomes

Be able to identify different types of research design.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of research design.

Be able to design, conduct specific type of research design.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Definition

Science: knowledge about the structure and

behavior of the physical and natural world and society based on facts”.

(Oxford Dictionary)

Scientific method : “an approach to the acquisition of new

knowledge”

Research Methods- Thinking about research & nature of research

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What is “research”?

Research is “a systematic method of finding solution to a problem” (Kothari, 2004).

The systematic method consisting of stating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the data, analyzing the facts & reaching certain conclusions.

Research Methods- Thinking about research & nature of research

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Why Research?

To get a degree. To solve a problem. To get familiarity with a phenomena. Determine the frequency with which

something occurs.

Research Methods- Thinking about research & nature of research

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Components of Research

Research Methods- Thinking about research & nature of research

The question

The research process

The answer

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Definitions

Population: an entire body of people to which the researcher would like to generalize research findings.

Samples: a segment of the population.

Number of individuals (cases) are called sample size.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Definitions

Independent variable: a variable that brings a bout change in another variable. (i.e. the cause)

Dependent variable: is the outcome of the study that is changed by the independent variable

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Types of epidemiological research design

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

Epidemiological Studies

Observational

Descriptive

Case record

Case series

Correlational

Cross-sectional

Analytic

Case-control

CohortIntervention

al RCT (CT)

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Types of research design

Case study: Includes either a single case (a case

record) or a small number of cases (case series).

Each case is discussed in details. The subject of the cases may be a person,

an organization, a situation or a country. Examples: ▪ Studying a case or a group of cases after Laser

eye surgery.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Types of research design

Survey: Refers to the collection of information from

a group of people belonging to a population of interest to make assumptions about that population.

The population of interest can be patients, learners (students), researchers or colleagues.

Collect quantitative data that are analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Types of research design

Experiment: Attempts to discover a cause-effect

relationship between two variables. Has two main key elements:▪ Experimental group.(Subjects exposed to the

experimental variable in an experiment)▪ Control group. (Subjects not exposed to the

experimental variable in an experiment)

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Experiment

Example: Randomized controlled trial (clinical trial)

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Time horizon

Cross-section. (Collect data at a particular time) often employ the survey methodology

(Easterby-Smith et al. 2008; Robson 2002)

Longitudinal. (Collect data over time) study change and development (e.g.

incidence).

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

Jan. 2012 Jun. 2012

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Types of scientific paper

Primary scientific paper. Secondary scientific paper

A review paper which summarize other paper.

Two types:▪ Narrative review▪ Systematic review.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Narrative review

Studies not been identified or analyzed in a systematic, standardized and objective way.

Provide an update on a certain subject,

Written by experts.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Systematic review

Contains a clear statement on objectives.

Data sources for the papers are stated as well as the method of selection. Ex: Meta-analysis

Composed of: Abstract. Introduction. Methods. Body of the review.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Meta-analysis

Definition: Critically review research studies and statistically combine their data to help answer questions that are

beyond the power of single papers. Sample size. MetaView software.

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods

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Questions!

Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 4: Formulating the research design & Data collection methods