introduction to research methodology.pptx

research methods

1. Introduction to Research Methodology Module facilitator: Wondmagegn D. (BSc. MSc. MPH. PhD Candidate)

2. Course Description The research methodology course is designed to assist students in developing their thesis research, which they are required to undertake as part of the Programme. Students are expected to take the lead in identifying and perusing the research area of their choice. 2

3. Course objectives At the end of this course, students will be able to: Define what a Research is. Differentiate research methods and methodologies List the major components of a research proposal. Describe the main components of a research report. Recognize benefits of health research . Describe steps of conducting a health research. 3

4. Session Objectives At the end of this chapter, students will be able to: Define the term research Describe the characteristics of research Explain the different types of research Describe the purpose of doing health research 4

5. Outline Introduction/Definition Characteristics of research Types of research Health research Types of health research Steps involved in research 5

6. What is research? What do you know about research? Why researchers do research? How do we do research? What do you expect from this course? 6

7. Introduction Definition Research is a scientific inquiry aimed at learning new facts, testing ideas, etc. It is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to generate new knowledge and answer a certain question or solve a problem. It covers topics in every field of science and perceptions of its scope and activities are unlimited. 7

8. Cont’d Research helps us create new knowledge and develop proper tools for the use of existing knowledge. Scientific research plays a very important role in our efforts to maintain health and combating diseases. Not only does it enable health care providers to diagnose and treat diseases, research also provides evidence for policies and decisions on health and development. 8

9. Cont’d It refers to a search for knowledge. A scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. An art of scientific investigation. A “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.” A movement from the known to the unknown. A voyage of discovery 9

10. We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for , when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method , which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever the unknown, can be termed as research . 10

11. Cont’d Therefore, research is the systematic collection , analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem. In science, research refers to exploration , discovery and careful study of unexplained phenomena . It is a diligent systematic enquiry to validate and refine existing knowledge and generate new knowledge (Burns & Grove 2005) 11

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13. Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research. The systematic approach concerning generalization and the formulation of a theory is also research. 13

14. As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis , collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation. 14

15. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research objectives as falling into a number of following broad groupings: To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies); To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies); To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies ); To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis-testing research studies ). 15

16. Characteristics of Research It demands a clear statement of the problem It requires a plan (it is not aimlessly “looking” for something in the hope that you will come across a solution) It builds on existing data, using both positive and negative findings New data should be collected as required and be organized in such a way that they answer the research question(s) 16

17. Cont’d Research must be Purposeful: What do you want to be able to contribute? Targeted: Who are the audiences? Credible: Consider sources of information, method of data collection, personnel involved… Timely: Is the information needed? Research is done to find solution to health problems. 17

18. Types of Research Research is classified in different ways based on different criteria. Some classify research as theoretical (basic) and applied research, descriptive and analytic research, quantitative and qualitative research, conceptual and empirical research. There is no clear dividing (overlap) line between one method and the other 18

19. Cont’d The classical broad division of research is: Basic and Applied research Basic research (also called fundamental or pure research) It is necessary to generate new knowledge and technologies to deal with major unresolved health problems. Primary objective: Advancement of knowledge and the theoretical understanding of the relations among variables 19

20. Cont’d Basic research is usually considered to involve a search for knowledge without a defined goal of utility or specific purpose. Basic research is conducted to address fundamental questions about the biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms which underlie wellness and disease Basic research provides the foundation for further , sometimes applied research. 20

21. Cont’d Applied research (Operational Research) Is original work undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge with a specific application in view. Is a research that seeks to solve practical problems. Primary objective: solving practical problems. 21

22. Cont’d Applied research is necessary: To identify priority problems and To design and evaluate policies and programs that will deliver the greatest health benefit, making optimal use of available resources. 22

23. Cont’d Based on data type utilized: Quantitative: phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity e.g. The prevalence of Diarrhea among under five children The proportion of intestinal parasitic infection among patients who visited MCM comprehensive specialized hospital Utilization of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women Qualitative: Qualitative phenomena (those relating to involving quality or kind) Qualitative research is concerned with developing explanations of social phenomena . 23

24. Cont’d Attempts to increase our understanding of why things are the way they are in our social world and why people act the ways they do. It is concerned with the social aspects of our world and seeks to answer questions about: Why people behave the way they do? How opinions and attitudes are formed? 24

25. Cont’d How people are affected by the events that go on around them? How and why cultures have developed in the way they have? E.g. Perception of Bole people towards HIV/AIDS Attitude of MMC students towards language diversity 25

26. Cont’d Based on study design used and results obtained in the study, research is classified as: Descriptive research It is concerned with describing the problem with respect to time place and person Analytic research It is focused on identifying the cause of the problem 26

27. Health Research Health?? Health research is the application of principles of research on health. Health research is a systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to solve a health problem . It is the generation of new knowledge using scientific method to identify and deal with health problems. 27

28. Cont’d Health research is the process of obtaining systematic knowledge and technology which can be used for the improvement of the health of individuals/groups. It provides the basic information on the state of health and diseases of the population Overall it encompasses scientific investigation and inquiry into various aspects of human health and well-being. 28

29. Health and health care research are needed in order to reduce the uncertainty associated with the diagnosis , treatment and delivery of health care There is a massive spectrum of such research, ranging from laboratory investigations on single molecules in tightly-controlled conditions, to observations on the complex behaviors within populations or systems of health care delivery. 29

30. Cont’d In most cases, health research has been divided into three overlapping groups. Essential health research/Health services research Clinical research Biomedical research/Basic Epidemiological studies 30

31. Essential health research focuses on studying the organization, delivery, and effectiveness of healthcare services. to assure the quality of activities to deal with them. Much of this research comes within the category of health service research but there will be elements of clinical research and development of technology, depending on the situation. healthcare systems, health policies, healthcare utilization patterns, cost-effectiveness, patient outcomes, and patient experiences to inform healthcare delivery and policy decisions. The information, is essential and specific to each country for planning and monitoring health services . 31

32. Clinical research ranges from studies of the prevention and diagnosis of diseases through new methods of treatment to problems of care and rehabilitation. there will be overlap with the fields of essential and biomedical research. Some of the research will be mainly of local importance; much will be useful for other individuals in other countries. Examples include clinical trials of disease prevention and the design of new chemotherapeutic agents. Wherever clinical facilities exist, there is a potential for clinical research. 32

33. Basic/Biomedical research It is the most basic part of health research which demands more resources, facilities and skilled investigators. laboratory-based investigations to understand fundamental biological processes, mechanisms of diseases, and the development of new diagnostic tools or therapeutic approaches . The results of biomedical research are more often of universal importance and thus of general significance. 33

34. Cont’d Research in the context of public health aims to provide all aspects of information necessary for planning and the effective implementation of a health system. For all communities, whether affluent or poor, health research is the top priority. The research questions are formidable: how to join with policy makers and communities in assessing priority needs, planning, financing and implementing programs, and evaluating them in terms of coverage, efficiency and effectiveness. 34

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36. Cont’d What makes people to undertake research? Health research may be: curiosity-driven, needs-driven, profit-driven or opportunity-driven 36

37. Curiosity-driven research Science is unpredictable : in fact, chance plays an important role in scientific discovery. Many of the drugs we use today have been discovered in research programmes designed for other purposes; Minoxidil (the drug for male baldness) was originally developed and tested for the treatment of hypertension. Sildenafil (Viagra), used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, was discovered in a cardiovascular research program. 37

38. Needs-driven Research Governments would like to support research that will promote the health of their populations or put priorities for research. Health problem can be put as a priority for research, depending on: Magnitude (burden) Seriousness (killing, disabling) Feasibility (recourses, cost-effectiveness) 38

39. Profit-driven Research Private industry is becoming the major actor in health research, in terms of funding or pursue research for profit. E.g. Pharmaceutical industry investments in research and development surpassed public investments in four of the countries (France, Japan, Switzerland and United Kingdom). Only a very small share of the large research investment by industry is addressed to the health problems of developing countries. 39

40. Opportunity-driven research As far as the individual researcher is concerned, research may also be opportunity driven such as: the availability of funding , which may or may not correspond to local priority needs or to the curiosity of scientists. the opportunity to participate in multi-center international research, or opportunities to participate in industry-sponsored research. 40

41. Purpose of Health Research The ultimate goal of research in health is Generating knowledge essential for effectively promoting the health of the population 41

42. Types of Health research Level of Analysis Object of Analysis Conditions Responses Individual Biomedical Research (Basic biological processes, structure and function of the human body, pathological mechanisms) Clinical Research (Efficacy of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, natural history of diseases) Population Epidemiologic Research (Frequency, distribution, and determinants of health) Health Systems research (Effectiveness, quality, and costs of services: development and distribution of resources for care ) 42

43. Health Systems Research It is a component of health research. Research that supports health development It is ultimately concerned with improving the health of a community, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system as an integral part of the overall process of socio-economic development. 43

44. Cont’d Essential Features for Successful Health Systems Research Focus on priority problems Action oriented- aimed at developing solutions Multidisciplinary approach (from many disciplines) Participatory in nature (from policy makers to community members) Must be timely. Simple, short-term designs Cost-effectiveness Results presented in formats most useful for administrators, decision-makers and the community. 44

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46. Research Process Steps Involved in the Research Process Identifying a problem Preparing a research proposal Fieldwork (i.e., data collection) Analyzing data and preparing a research report Dissemination and application of results Research process is cyclical 46

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49. Cont’d Research Design/Study design Refers to the overall structure or plan of the research Research Methods The practices and techniques used to collect, process and analyze the data Which one is broad? Research design or research methods? 49

50. Main Components of Any Research Work Preparing a research proposal Filed work (i.e. data collection) Analyzing data and preparing a research report 50

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