Use of Computer Technology in Research. Contains Research methodology might be useful to medical and paramedical UG and PG students pursuing Research

1. Computer
technology
D.A. Asir John Samuel, BSc (Psy), MPT (Neuro Paed),
MAc, DYScEd, C/BLS, FAGE
Lecturer, Alva’s college of Physiotherapy,
Moodbidri
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

2. Introduction to computers
Generations Components used
First (1945-60) Valves
Second (1960-65) Transistor
Third (1965-70) Integrated Chips (IC)
Fourth (1970-till now) Microprocessor
Fifth (developing High Electron Mobility
stage……) Transistor
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

3. Computer application in research
• Model processing
• Sample size calculation
• Managing missing data
• Performing computations
• In estimating accurate p-value
• Data analysis and interpretation
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

4. Computer application in research
Software Packages
• SPSS – Statistical Package for Social Sciences
• SAS – Statistical Analysis Software
• Medcalc – Medical calculation
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

5. Computer and Researcher
• Performing calculation at the speed of light
• Data analysis concerning large research projects
• Huge storage of data
• Faster retrieval
• Added quality to research activity
• Trial and error process frequently employed
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

6. Computer and Researcher
• Can easily calculate computation of means,
SD, correlation coefficients, ‘t’ tests, analysis
of variance, multiple regression and various
nonparametric analyses
• Multivariate analysis can be computed
• Only work of researcher is to feed in the data
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

7. Computer and Researcher
• Facilitate research work
• Innumerable data can be processed and
analyzed with greater ease and speed
• Results obtained are accurate and reliable
• Pictorial graphing and reporting
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

8. Computer and Researcher
• Data organisation and coding
• Storing the data
• Selection of appropriate statistical
measures/techniques
• Selection of appropriate software package
• Execution of the computer program
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP

9. Limitation of computer-based analysis
• Requires expensive computerised analysis
setting, collection and feeding of data (GAITRE)
• Not economical in case of small projects
• Various small details which are not fed into
computers may get lost
• Does not think only execute
• “Garbage in, garbage out”
Dr.Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP