Research

Research

Is a systematic process to solve problems, either aims at adding new knowledge (basic research) or it aims at identifying means to apply knowledge (applied research)

Steps:

A checklist of steps may be given in the following slides. This list is not intended to be comprehensive nor is it compulsory to carry out the steps one by one in the given order. It covers the issues that must be considered by any researcher before the launching of the field activities.

Step one: The perception and definition of a problem 

The researcher decides that: A problem does exist and a research is needed The research is feasible to be conducted The results of the research help in the solution of the problem

A problem might be:

A high incidence of postoperative complications, A high rate of defaulters from treatment among patients with tuberculosis, A low use rate of prenatal care by pregnant women, The role of environmental pollution in cancer and so on.

Such problems are very real in many countries. They are of recognized significance in our population as has been indicated by local studies. The extent of these problems and the factors that determine them are amenable to study and define through carefully designed epidemiological studies. The results are expected to assist the implementation of practical measures to modify the situation so as to reduce postoperative complications and defaulting and to improve the utilization of prenatal care.

Step two: Statement of the general purpose of the study (the why of the study)

This is a broad statement explaining the main purpose of the study. It might be put as to study the problem of postoperative complications, the problem of defaulters or the extent of under utilization of prenatal care.

Step three: Gaining more knowledge about the problem

At this stage, the researcher tries to gain as much relevant knowledge as possible about the problem under study. This will help the researcher to understand different methods used so that he can use a known method, a modified method, or a new one designed by him for the purpose of the study. He can also be able to identify the findings of other researchers so that he can make additional contribution to the body of knowledge rather than repeating the work of others.

Two main sources can be of great benefit to any researcher:

Literature Experts The researcher should not hesitate to ask any question related to his work or undermine the importance of exploring the views and or the works of other researchers and experts.

Step four: Formulation of the study topic (title) and statement of specific objectives

By the end of step three, the researcher must be very clear about the problem he is intending to tackle. He needs to formulate the title of the research work and to state in written terms the specific objectives he intends to attain.

In reference to the problems mentioned in step one above; a title may take the form of the following:
A study on the extent and causes of postoperative complications in surgical wards. A study on the characteristics of defaulters among TB patients on DOTS. The study of determinants of low utilization rate of prenatal care: A household-based study. Cancer and environmental pollution: Current state of evidence.


The specific objectives are statements describing exactly the end results the researcher wishes to achieve. They need to be:
Stated clearly without any ambiguity Written in such away to translate the general purpose of the study Written in quantitative (measurable) terms


An objective of the sort (to study infant mortality rate in Thi-Qar) is very vague because it is not clear enough what the researcher is intended to measure in such a study. This objective could mean to estimate the infant mortality rate or the study of causes. It could mean the study of risk factors and distribution in different population subgroups. Such objective phrasing is neither clear nor quantitative. A specific objective could be phrased as (to estimate the infant mortality rate in Thi-Qar in the year 2009). Notice here that the statement specifies the place, time and the parameter to be measured.

Step five: The methodology

Sampling and sample size: In many instances, a researcher cannot and actually need not to examine all the population he is interested in. Instead, a sample may be drawn, the size of which is determined by certain statistical methods and limited by economic consideration.

Step six: Pilot study and pretest of the questionnaire

This is a small-scale study carried out on a small number of individuals under conditions similar to those of the final study. The size of the pilot study is a matter of convenience, time, and money.

The purposes of the pilot study are to have an idea about:

To give a simple example on poor questions, suppose that you like to know whether students do revise their notes before the examination or not. You may ask the question [do you read (revise) your lecture notes before the examination?]. This question needs an answer of yes or no but actually the answer is very likely to be yes. In this instance you will not be able to measure the effort by each student and therefore can not relate such effort to the outcome of examination.

An alternative question would be: How many hours do you spend in revising your lecture notes before the examination? Here, the answer will be given in quantitative terms and definitely varies among students.

Step seven: The proper study

In the light of the pilot study results, the final and proper study is conducted to collect the required data. Continuous monitoring and checking is essential at this stage of the study.

Step eight: Data analysis

The data analysis is carried out either manually, by pocket calculator or by computers. The medium of analysis is decided by the size of the study and the required details and sophistication of analysis. The results are displayed in the form of tables and diagrams.

Step nine: The writing of an article, a report, a dissertation, or thesis

As a general rule, a scientific document consists of the following parts: Title Author names and titles Summary Introduction/ literature review Methodology


Results. Here the researcher presents and describes his results in the form of tables and/ or diagrams without interpretation or comparison with the findings of other researchers. A table and a diagram must be complete and self-explanatory.

Discussion, conclusions and recommendations. The discussion must cover the merits and limitations of the methodology used in the study in addition to interpretation and comparison of results within the context of available literature and body of knowledge.

References. The researcher should follow a uniform system of referencing throughout his report. Two commonly used methods of referencing. The first is the Vancouver and the second is the alphabetical system. Appendices

Questions

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