Research is the systematic way of problem solving. It can also be defined as the systematic process of looking for solutions for problems. This document presents an overview of research and research methods.

1. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH WRITING
‘BASICS OF RESEARCH’
Jimmy Nkaiwuatei
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,
Kenya.
Head of Drug Research, Discovery and Innovations Program
at
Students Against Superbugs Africa.
April 9th, 2022.

2. What is research
 Def: This is a systematic way of problem solving.
 Also can simply be defined as the systematic
process of looking for solutions for problems.

3. Characteristics of a good research
 Systematic - it follows a process.
 Logical – should either be inductive or deductive
(reasonable).
 Empirical - evidenced-based.
 Reductive – should be tailored to reduce complexity
of a topic of interest.

4. The research process
Formulate
a research
question
Select an
appropriate
research design
Collect
relevant
data
Interpret
the findings
And publish
Review
the
available
Literature

5. The process of research writing
Research topic selection.
Literature review.
Develop a research question.
Formulate the research hypothesis.
Define the research objectives.
Select the appropriate research methods.
Select the best data analysis tool.

6. Topic selection
Select your topic of interest.
Read the literature widely to derive a research
topic.
You may begin with a broad research topic.
Then split it into a precise, simple, and specific
topic.

7. Literature Review
Involves sourcing for relevant information related
to your research topic.
Primary (initial) sources of information are
highly recommended.
It’s important to use latest sources of
information relevant to your research topic.

8. Research question
The research question should be objective-wise.
Should be clear and focused to the objectives.
Should be answerable- not too difficult.
Ex ;what is the major risk factor attributing to
neonatal sepsis in Lekfad medical center.?

9. Formulation of research hypothesis
This include the alternative hypothesis and the null
hypothesis.
It must be testable and falsifiable.
It should define the problem and the objectives.
Ex; alt. E.coli is resistant to ciprofloxacin.
Null: E.coli is not resistant to ciprofloxacin.

10. Research objectives
They should be;
S- specific.
M- measurable.
A- attainable.
R- realistic.
T- time-bound.

11. Selection of research methodology
It is chosen based on;
Research goal- should be able to meet the objectives.
Reliability and efficiency of the method.
Cost- research methods should be cost-friendly.
Time- the method to be selected should be able to
provide results based on your time-frame.

12. Select the best data analysis tool
This depends on;
Research objectives.
Research question.
Research design- whether quantitative or qualitative.

13. Types of research
1. Applied research- seek to find solutions to
practical problems.
• It’s used to find solutions to everyday problems
rather than acquiring knowledge on a new phenomenon,
Ex’; how to increase access to quality medicines in
Africa.

14. Cont..
2.Basic research- involves research done to expand
our knowledge on a particular topic rather than
innovating or inventing something.
Ex’ investigation of mechanisms of antimicrobial
resistance in H. pylori.

15. Cont.…
3. Correlation research- refers to a systematic study
to determine the relationship between two or more
variables without necessarily determining the cause
and effect e.g. what is the relationship between
effectiveness and potency of lead compound X.

16. Cont.…
3. Explanatory research- this research is
similar to correlation research but it seeks to
find the cause and effect based on observations.
e.g. what is the impact of potency on the
effectiveness of lead compound X.

17. Research reasoning
a) Deductive reasoning- applies in quantitative
research, Ex’: gram positive bacteria contain a thick
cell wall.
Theory Hypothesis Observation
Confirmation

18. Cont...
b) Inductive reasoning: applies in qualitative
research. Example, S. aureus contains a thick cell
wall.
Observation Pattern Hypothesis
Theory

19. Methods of conducting research
Surveys- consists of a baseline, end-line survey and
questionnaires.
Experiments- mainly involve lab work, and in social
sciences are referred to as quarsi experiments.
Observations- can be qualitative and quantitative
observation.
Interviews- involves creation of a defined structured
questionnaire among two or many people. Takes more time.

20. sampling
Def’: Studying the entire population by measuring only a
portion of it.
It is important to define a population before selecting the
sample.
Also, it is important to decide on the size of the sample.
The larger the sample, the more accurate the results will be.
Sometimes data can be collected from a study population when
that population is small.

21. Sampling designs
a) Probability sampling:
 Pure random sampling- a sampling technique where each
member stands an equal chance of being selected.
Usually the researcher know the size of the study
population.
EX’; a researcher want to know the pharmacological
properties of 10 plants in a garden of 100 trees.

22. Cont.…
Systematic sampling- this is where the researcher
selects samples based on a system of intervals.
The researcher usually do not know the size of the
study population.
Example; when a doctor conducts a survey about AMR to
every fourth patient that comes in his pharmacy shop.

23. Cont.…
Stratified sampling- sub-division of the study population
into small groups(strata) based on characteristics they
share e.g. type, function, size, location.
Each strata is then sampled randomly.
EX’; selection of drugs based on size then according to
their mode of action.

24. Cont.…
Cluster sampling- the study population is first
subdivided into small clusters, which are then
sampled.
Similar to stratification, but here, only selected
clusters will be sampled.
• Ex; clustering of drugs based on size then by colour.

25. b) Non-probability sampling
convenience sampling- type of sampling that involves
collection of data from a population that is available
at hand.
It involves using respondents who are convenient to
the data.
Example; standing in front of a class and ask people
about their knowledge on AMR.

26. Cont..
 Purposive sampling- this is where the researchers fully
relies on their judgments when choosing a sample from a
population.
Also known as judgmental, subjective, or selective
sampling.
• Ex’: investigation of anti-fungal activity of purple-
colored plants.

27. Cont.…
Quota sampling- this is where the samples are chosen on a
non-random basis and all members of the population do not
have an equal chance of being selected.
The researcher takes a sample that is tailored to some
characteristics of a population.
Ex’: investigation of the antibiotic activity of benzene-
ringed natural molecules.

28. THANK YOU
SO
MUCH