Introduction to Research

Methods
Onega Philip
AIHS-2022

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Definitions
•Research may be defined as an
organized form of scientific inquiry in
which information is collected on
phenomena of interest

•It is a systematic process of collection,

analysis and interpretation of data to
answer a certain question or solve a
problem
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•Research methods therefore refer to
the techniques used for such inquiry

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Purpose of Research I
•To determine the distribution and
magnitude of characteristics in
populations
•To establish the immediate causes of
events of interest in populations
•To establish the determinants of these
conditions or events
•To determine possible interventions for
the prevention of disease
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•To determine possible alternatives for
prevention of disease or other health
related states
•To evaluate the efficacy of new
approaches to treatment of particular
conditions
•To evaluate the efficacy of new
approaches to disease prevention and
health promotion
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Nature of Research Methods

•Research methods is a practical

course – you learn
•By reviewing
•By doing

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Why Research Methods?
•Health professionals make use of
different methods for research
•The researcher has to extrapolate their
findings to the general population
•These findings may be the basis for
action
•The methods used therefore ought to
be valid

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•We ought to use methods that can be
replicated elsewhere to yield similar
results
•There are therefore standard scientific
procedures for research
•These methods will be the basis for this
course unit

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Why is Research Scientific

• Scientific research is a systematic, controlled,

empirical and critical investigation of natural
or social phenomena.
 Search for knowledge – something new
about something
 Systematic: follows procedures/ plan
 Empirical: Evidence & truth about the
information you have (+ve & -ve)

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Carefully designed: not speculation,
based a clear problem, new data
answers, original research questions.
 Objective – can be interpreted and
verified.

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Types of Research
1. Basic research (pure, basic, traditional)
•Carried out to acquire new knowledge, Tests
theories and Interested in generalization
across time and space

Examples of Basic research include;

•Causal- Comparative research
•Descriptive research
•Explanatory research
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2. Applied research
Carried out to solve a specific, practical issue
affecting an individual or group. Used in medicine,
business in order to find solutions to improve or
solve problems
Examples include;
•Action research - No distinction between research
and social action
•Experimental research - Directed to producing new
materials, products putting new processes
•Evaluation research - Institutional assessments and
redesigns
•Social impact assessment - Extensive environmental
assessment
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The main characteristics for good
quality research is listed below:
1. It is based on the work of others.
2. It can be replicated and doable .
3. It is generalisable to other settings.
4. It is based on some logical rationale and
tied to theory. In a way that it has the
potential to suggest directions for future
research.
5. It generates new questions or is cyclical in
nature.
6. It is incremental.
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7. It addresses directly or indirectly
some real problem in the world.
8. It clearly states the variables or
constructs to be examined.
9. Valid and verifiable such that
whatever you conclude on the basis of
your findings is correct and can be
verified by you and others.
10. The researcher is sincerely interested
and/or invested in this research.
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 Which are the key Methods I
•Problem Identification and
Prioritization
•Problem analysis, statement of the
problem and justification
•Literature Review, citation and
referencing
•Designing a conceptual framework
•Objective formulation, hypotheses
and research questions
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•Identifying the study population
•Study designs
•Sample Size determination
•Sampling Procedures

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Methods II

• Quantitative Data collection methods and tools

• Qualitative Data collection methods and tools
• Quality Control and Assurance
• Data Analysis, presentation conclusions and
recommendations
• Ethical considerations in research
• Research proposal/Report format, guidelines and
procedures

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 Research proposal/report format,
guidelines and procedures
•It involves:
• 1.0 The Introduction and Background
• 2.0 The Literature Review
• 3.0 Problem Statement, Justification
• 4.0 Objectives, Research Questions
• 5.0 Methodology/Methods
• 6.0 Results
• 7.0 Discussion, conclusions and
recommendations
• 6.0 Appendices 18
• 5.0 Methodology
5.1 Study population and study site
5.2 Study design
5.3 Sample size
5.4 Sampling procedures
5.5 Data collection procedures
5.6 Quality control
5.7 Variables
5.8 Data management and data analysis
5.9 Ethical considerations
5.10 Study limitations
5.11 Dissemination
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 References
• Varkevessier CM, I. Pathmanathan and A.
Brownlee, (1991). Designing and conducting
health systems research projects. Pt1. proposal
development and fieldwork. Pt2. Data analysis
and report writing. IDRC. Ottawa, Canada

• Uganda Allied Health Examinations Board

(UAHEB) (JUNE 2015). Guidelines on research
proposal and report writing in Allied Health
Training

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• Community Health Surveys: A practical guide
for health workers 1. Planning and
Organizing; 2. Survey Sampling; 3. Using
available information; 4. Questionnaire
design; 5. Interviewing and Recording 6.
Presenting survey Data;
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linda-Lockerbie/e
/B00IO1NU1S

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THANK YOU

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