Scientific Research Process steps in research

Research Process

1. Scientific Research Process

2. Sources of Research Ideas Where do ideas or problem originate Where should we look for a researchable problem? Common sources of problem are existing theories and past research As a clinician we can have our own clinical experience and every day events to get ideas to start research The things we see read about or hear about can serve as a research idea

3. Research Process Formulate a Question Select an Appropriate Research Design Collect Relevant Data Interpret Findings Publish Findings Review the Available Literature

4. Research process- Steps 1. Formulation a of a research problem 2. Creation of a research design 3. Constructing instruments for data collection 4. Selecting a sample 5.Writing the research proposal 6. Collecting data 7. Processing data 8. Writing the report

5. Formulating research problem Tasks: Literature review Formulating the research problem Identifying variables Constructing hypotheses

6. Literature review To make your research problem clear and bring focus into it Develop your methodology To know where you are To have a broader knowledge in your area of research

7. Contd., Search and select literature pertaining to your area Review selected literature

8. Contd., Sources: Books Journals Electronic resources: online and offline Medical Data bases i.e. Pub med , e-med, Cochrane

9. How to write the literature review Write under themes Some may follow chronological order Use analytical Stance rather than using descriptive stance Compare Different authors on same theme and conclude at the end of the paragraph Conclude literature Review find Gaps in previous studies and than start Highlight your arguments Provide references

10. Formulating Research Problem Any question that needs answer can be a research problem. However, not all questions can be transformed into research problems. What matters here: Your knowledge in research methodology Your knowledge of the subject area Your understanding of the issues to be examined

11. Contd., Formation of a research problem is the first step in the research. Identify the destination before you start the journey. It is the foundation of your building. Sources of research problems: People (individuals, groups, organizations, communities) Problems (Issues, situations, associations,, needs, demographic)

12. Contd., Research problem is your topic. Consider the following when selecting a topic: Your interest Your level of expertise as well as of your supervisor Use concepts that can be measured Topic should be relevant to your profession/ subject area Availability of data Ethical issues

13. Formulation of objectives Objectives are goals of your study Main objectives Secondary or sub-objectives They must be clear, complete and specific

14. Identifying variables A concept or perception that takes on different values and that can be measured is a variable. It is something that varies. Types: Independent variables (they are responsible for bringing about change in a phenomenon, situation)

15. Contd., Dependent variables (effects of a change variable, the outcome of the changes brought about by changes in an independent variable)

16. Constructing hypotheses “a tentative statement about something, the validity of which is usually unknown’ (Bailey, 1976:126) It may be right, partially right or wrong It should be simple, specific and conceptually clear

17. Research design It is the plan, structure and strategy of investigating the research problem It is an operational plan Procedures to be adopted Testing the design

18. Constructing an instrument for data collection Data collection methods: Primary sources Observation Interview Questionnaire Use of secondary sources Establish the validity of the selected instrument

19. Selecting a sample “Process of selecting a few from a bigger group” Bigger group is the population and the selected few is the sample Larger the sample size the more accurate will be the findings

20. Sampling types Sampling strategies are numerous. They can be categorized into three groups: Random/probability sampling Non-random/probability sampling Theoretical sampling

21. Research proposal It is your plan of research It reveals what you are going to do, how you plan to do and why you have selected the proposed procedures It guides you as well as your supervisor It is an academic piece of writing It shows the strength of your proposed research

22. Elements Introduction (an overview of the main area under study, historical background, philosophical issues etc., trends, major theories, main issues under consideration, out comes of other studies, aims, etc.) Importance (rationale of the study) (Why you do it? What are the benefits?) Problem (Your research problem or the research questions) Literature review

23. Contd., Objectives ( main and secondary) Hypotheses Study design (population, sample, data collection methods etc.) Setting (brief description of the community, organization or agency in which you are going to carry out the research) Analysis of data (methods you are going to use)

24. Contd., Structure of the report or chapterization Limitations and problems you may encounter Work plan or schedule Budget (optional)

25. Collection data Ethical issues relating to research participants ( their consent, incentives, sensitive information, harm to participants etc.) Ethical issues relating to the researcher (avoiding bias, using appropriate research methodology, correct reporting etc.)

26. Processing data Editing data Coding data Verifying coded data Analyzing data Displaying data (charts, diagrams, tables)

27. Writing the report or thesis Follow standards (International standards or departmental guidelines) Use appropriate referencing/citation system Preparation of a bibliography Avoid plagiarism