Biostatistics and research methodology

1. Introduction to Research
 Research is a systematic process of investigation aimed at
discovering, interpreting, or revising facts, theories, applications, or
laws in any field of study.
 This presentation will provide an overview of the key components
of the research process, from identifying the research problem to
communicating the findings.

2. Identifying the Research Problem
The first step in the research process is to clearly define the research problem. This involves identifying a gap in existing
knowledge or an area that requires further investigation. By defining the research problem, researchers can establish the
foundation for their study and ensure that their work is meaningful and impactful.
1 Defining the Research Problem
Researchers must carefully examine the
current state of knowledge in their field and
identify areas that need further exploration or
clarification.
2 Importance of the Research Problem
The research problem serves as the driving
force behind the study, guiding the research
questions, hypotheses, and overall research
design.
3 Example: Identifying a Gap in Knowledge
A researcher may notice that existing studies have focused on the effects of a particular intervention on adults, but there is a lack of
research on the impact of the same intervention on children. This gap in knowledge could be the basis for a new research study.

3. Conducting a Literature Review
The literature review is a crucial step in the research process, as it involves examining existing scholarly sources to
understand the current state of knowledge on a particular topic. By conducting a thorough literature review, researchers
can identify key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in previous research, as well as gaps in knowledge that
their study can address.
Purpose of the
Literature Review
The literature review helps
researchers identify the
theoretical and empirical
foundations of their study, as
well as the most relevant and
up-to-date research in their
field.
Key Findings from the
Literature
A well-conducted literature
review can uncover important
insights and trends that inform
the researcher's hypotheses or
research questions.
Strategies for
Effective Literature
Review
Researchers can use various
strategies, such as database
searches, snowballing, and
citation tracking, to ensure a
comprehensive and systematic
literature review.

4. Formulating Hypotheses and Research Questions
After conducting a thorough literature review, researchers must formulate their hypotheses or research questions.
Hypotheses are testable predictions about the relationship between variables, while research questions are broader inquiries
that guide qualitative or exploratory research. The choice between hypotheses and research questions depends on the nature
of the study and the researcher's objectives.
1
Hypotheses
Hypotheses are specific, testable predictions about
the relationship between variables. They are
typically used in quantitative research to examine
causal relationships.
2
Research Questions
Research questions are broader, open-
ended inquiries that guide qualitative or
exploratory research. They are often
used to explore a phenomenon or
understand a complex issue in depth.
3
Formulating Effective Hypotheses
or Research Questions
Researchers must carefully consider their research
objectives, the existing literature, and the
appropriate research methods to formulate
hypotheses or research questions that are clear,
specific, and relevant.

5. Designing the Research Study
The research design is the overall plan for conducting the study, including decisions about methodology, sampling, data collection, and analysis.
Researchers must carefully consider the most appropriate research design to address their research questions or hypotheses effectively.
Choosing Research
Methods
Researchers must select the
most appropriate research
methods, such as surveys,
experiments, or case studies,
based on their research
questions and the nature of
the study.
Sampling Techniques
Researchers must also
determine the most
appropriate sampling
techniques, such as random
sampling or purposive
sampling, to ensure that their
data is representative and
reliable.
Ensuring Validity and
Reliability
Researchers must take steps to
ensure the validity and
reliability of their research
design, such as using
standardized measures or
conducting pilot studies.

6. Data Collection
Data collection involves gathering information or observations relevant to the research questions or hypotheses.
Researchers can use a variety of data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, observations, or
analysis of existing datasets. Ensuring the reliability and validity of the data collection process is crucial for the overall
quality and credibility of the research.
Surveys
Surveys are a
common data
collection method that
involve asking
participants a series
of questions, either in
person, by phone, or
online.
Interviews
Interviews involve in-
depth, one-on-one
conversations with
participants to gather
detailed information
and insights.
Experiments
Experiments involve
manipulating
variables to observe
their effects on the
outcome, allowing
researchers to
establish causal
relationships.
Observations
Observations involve
systematically
recording the
behavior or
characteristics of
individuals, groups, or
environments.

7. Data Analysis
Data analysis involves organizing, interpreting, and making sense of the collected data. Researchers can use a variety of
quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, depending on the nature of their research questions and the type of
data collected.
Quantitative Data Analysis
Quantitative data analysis
techniques, such as
regression analysis, t-tests, or
ANOVA, are used to examine
relationships between
variables and test
hypotheses.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Qualitative data analysis
techniques, such as coding,
thematic analysis, or narrative
analysis, are used to explore
patterns, themes, and
meanings in textual or
observational data.
Ensuring Rigor and
Reliability
Researchers must ensure
that their data analysis is
rigorous, reliable, and aligned
with the research questions or
hypotheses to draw valid
conclusions.

8. Interpreting the Results
Interpreting the results involves making sense of the analyzed data in the context of the
research questions or hypotheses. Researchers must carefully examine the findings, consider
alternative explanations, and discuss the implications of their study.
Examining the Findings
Researchers must thoroughly examine the analyzed data to identify patterns, trends, and
relationships that address their research questions or hypotheses.
Considering Alternative Explanations
Researchers must also consider alternative explanations for their findings and explore
potential limitations or confounding factors that may have influenced the results.
Discussing Implications
Finally, researchers must discuss the broader implications of their findings, including the
theoretical, practical, or policy-related significance of their study.

9. Drawing Conclusions and Making Recommendations
The final step in the research process is to draw conclusions based on the interpreted results and make recommendations
for future research or practical applications. Researchers must synthesize their findings and make inferences that address
the original research questions or hypotheses.
1
Drawing Conclusions
Researchers must carefully synthesize the
findings and make logical inferences that
address the original research questions or
hypotheses.
2 Making Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, researchers can make
recommendations for future research, policy
changes, or practical applications that build on the
study's findings.
3
Communicating the Conclusions and
Recommendations
Researchers must effectively communicate their
conclusions and recommendations to the broader
academic community and relevant stakeholders.

10. Communicating the Research Findings
The final step in the research process is to effectively communicate the research findings to the broader academic community
and relevant stakeholders. This can involve presenting the research at conferences, publishing in academic journals, or
sharing the findings with policymakers or practitioners who can apply the insights to real-world problems.
Presenting at Conferences
Researchers can share their
findings and engage in
discussions with their peers by
presenting their research at
academic conferences.
Publishing in Journals
Publishing research findings in
peer-reviewed academic
journals is a crucial way to
disseminate knowledge and
contribute to the scholarly
discourse.
Engaging with
Stakeholders
Researchers can also share
their findings with
policymakers, practitioners, or
other stakeholders who can
apply the insights to real-world
problems and inform decision-
making.

11. The Need for
Research
In the domain of healthcare, there are gaps in the knowledge and
theories about how something might work better and ideas for its
improvement. We cannot afford to take risks and thus research is
needed. The main objective of research is to inform
accomplishments, prove theories, and make contributions to
develop knowledge in a field or study.

12. Reasons for Research
1 Developing Efficient Learning
It is used to build basic knowledge,
provide information, correct wrong
notions and develop critical thinking
habits.
2 Discovering Issues
Through research, issues that one did
not know to be in existence can be
uncovered; questions that were not
apparent may arise.
3 Finding Opportunities
It enables researchers to assess their
potentials, achieve their goals through
available opportunities in the form of
employment, funding, training grants,
etc.
4 Sharing Valuable Information
Reading and writing stimulates
computation and understanding.
Reading opens the mind to knowledge.
Writing enables individuals to transform
ideas to more concrete form.

13. Further Needs for Research
Understanding Issues
Research is needed to establish facts,
theories or hypotheses. It is needed to
disprove what was thought to be truth and to
obtain in-depth information that will make for
better understanding of issues. It can help
reveal what we did not existed.
Business Success
Research is needed to add value to our
businesses when research findings lead
to new ways of executing the business or
development of new products.
New Opportunities
Research enables us to seek
opportunities; we can develop ourselves
further and key into new opportunities
based on our interests.
Innovation
Knowledge is developed and
improvement of practical approaches is
achieved through research. Students
learn most when actively involved in
developing their knowledge. Research is
used to initiate innovation and invention.

14. The Importance of Research Design
1
Research Design
A research design is a framework for
conducting the research experiments or
projects. It describes the steps for
acquiring the information needed to solve
research problems.
2
Purpose of Design
A research design is used to plan the
research, to show how all of the major
components of the research project
contribute to attempt the main research
problem.
3
Benefits of Design
It increases the chances of gathering all of
the information required to answer a
research problem. If design is sound and
strictly follows the protocol, then and then
only the information gathered during
research is useful.

15. Advantages of Research Design
Minimizes Inaccuracy
Research design minimizes inaccuracy.
Achieves Efficiency
It helps to achieve maximum efficiency and
reliability.
Eliminates Bias
It eliminates bias and marginal errors.
Saves Resources
It minimizes wastage of resources such as labour,
materials, time and money.
Identifies Materials
It is helpful for identifying and collecting research
materials.
Guides Research
It guides the research activities in the right
direction.