Introduction to research methods, research problem topic- slides (2) (2).ppt

Epidemiology & research methodology

1. Introduction to research
methods
conceptualizing a research
problem, identifying a research
topic & research title

2. Definitions
•Research may be defined as an organized form of
scientific inquiry in which information is collected
on phenomena of interest
•It is a systematic process of collection, analysis
and interpretation of data to answer a certain
question or solve a problem
•Research methods therefore refer to the
techniques used for such inquiry
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3. Purpose of Research
•To determine the distribution and magnitude of
characteristics in populations
•To establish the immediate causes of events of
interest in populations
•To establish the determinants of these conditions or
events
•To determine possible interventions for the
prevention of disease
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4. Purpose of Research
•To determine possible alternatives for prevention of
disease or other health related states
•To evaluate the efficacy of new approaches to
treatment of particular conditions
•To evaluate the efficacy of new approaches to
disease prevention and health promotion
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5. Why Research Methods?
•The researcher has to extrapolate their findings to the general
population
•These findings may be the basis for action
•The methods used therefore ought to be valid
•We ought to use methods that can be replicated elsewhere to
yield similar results
•There are therefore standard scientific procedures for research
•These methods will be the basis for this course unit
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6. Problem Identification and
Prioritization
•It involves:
–A needs assessment
–Dropping problems where the explanation is
already known
–Identifying problems that need actual research
–Prioritization of these problems
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7. Problem Identification and
Prioritization
•Prioritization Criteria
–Relevance: How large or widespread is the problem? Who
is affected? How severe is the problem?
–Avoidance of duplication
–Feasibility
–Political Acceptability
–Applicability of possible results and recommendations
–Urgency of data needed
–Ethical acceptability
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8. Sources of Research Problems
•Work place
•Literature
•Research forums
•Reports(clinical, project, work etc)
•Discussions
•Talking to different groups like patients,
doctors, students
•Media
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9. Conceptualizing Research Topics
•To conceptualize- to formulate an idea
How ??
•Finding your focus:
–Which aspects of your discipline interest you most?
–What have you observed that you have questions
about?
–What articles have you read that have raised
questions in your mind?
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10. Conceptualizing
•Broadly define the area of research (of
interest)
•Do a lot more work to make it a feasible
research project/ study
•Become an expert in that area- read more to
understand;
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11. Conceptualizing
•The epidemiology e.g disease prognosis,
treatment, turn around time for results,
window period
•Policies and practice around that area
•Recommendations by other researchers
•How and what interventions are
implemented,
•E.t.c
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12. Conceptualizing
• Where are the gaps in the literature?
–By topic (what is not being looked at?)
–Methods (what is not being done?)
–Populations (who is not being studied?)
–Comparisons (who is not being compared?)
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13. Sources of literature
–Published manuscripts
–Abstracts
–Conference proceedings
–Expert consultations
–Reports and unpublished documents
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14. •Read, read, read
•Detailed literature searches
•Attend seminars, conferences and presentations
•Discuss subject area with peers and seniors
•Listen
•Ask questions
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15. Research Topics Research Qs
•Research Topics need narrowing to become feasible
projects
E.g.
–TOPIC: Facility-based deliveries in Ethiopia
–Research Question: What are the factors that
prevent pregnant women from delivering in
health care facilities in Ethiopia?
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16. Criteria for developing a good
research question
It should be;
•Feasible
•Interesting
•Novel
•Ethical
•Relevant
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17. Questions to Ask Yourself
Is this a good idea?
–Has it been done?
–Who cares?/ So what?
–Can it be addressed using appropriate research
methods?
–Will it stimulate interest by others
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18. The TITLE
The title ought to contain only the critical
information necessary to indicate what the study is
about.
It should be as brief as possible and avoid redundant
words.
The title should be brief and specific. It should carry
the meaning behind the study
it should be concise but informative.
Preferably 5 – 15 words, it should not exceed 20
words.

19. The TITLE
Purpose: to provide a brief, informative summary that will attract
your target audience
What goes into the title?
 The topic being studied is always included.
– study subjects and setting:
“who, what, when, where”
 In addition, choose one or two of the following:
– Methods (M)
– Results (R)
– Conclusions (C)
– Specific named data set or study (N)
Important: Emphasize what is new and useful!

20. X-tics of a good title
•Brief
•No abbreviations
•Accurate
•Specific
•Should contain the main issue of your study
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21. Writing a good title- consider
PICOC
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22. Assignment
•In your formed groups come up with research
topics and titles
To be presented during the next meeting
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23. Thank you