The scope and focus of the Research MD2 Lecture

What is research? Research is a careful and exhaustive investigation of a phenomenon with an objective of advancing knowledge “It is a systematic and objective attempt to study a problem for the purpose of deriving general principles” It is a systematic investigation to find solutions to a problem.

The investigation is in most cases guided by the previously collected information. The men’s knowledge grows by studying what is already known and revising past knowledge in the light of new findings.

Types of research Empirical research, that involves observation of facts or interaction with people Library research, it is done in library situation Social research, it is a research that focuses on the study of human groups or the processes of social interaction. Scientific research, it is a building of knowledge through empirically verifiable facts. The term verifiable means “which can be checked by others for accuracy.

Emphasis on empirical research It is a systematic and controlled research, i.e., the investigation is so ordered that investigators can have confidence in research outcomes. The investigation is empirical, i.e., subjective belief is checked against objective reality. It is a critical research Therefore the scientific method of research is the “building of a body of scientific knowledge through observation, experimentation, generalization and verification.

Characteristics of a scientific research Verifiable evidence, i.e., factual observations that other observers can see and check. Accuracy., i.e., Describing what really exists. -It means truth or correctness of a statement or describing things exactly as they are and avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions, either by exaggeration or fantasing. Precision, i.e. Making it as exact as necessary or giving number or measurement.

Systematization, i.e., Attempting to find all the relevant data, or collecting data in a systematic and organized way so that the conclusions drawn are reliable. Objectivity, i.e., being free from all biases and vested interests. -The observation is unaffected by the observer’s values, beliefs and preferences to the extent possible he has seen and accept facts as they are, not as he might wish them to be.

Recording, i. e. , noting down complete details as quickly as possible Recording, i.e., noting down complete details as quickly as possible. Researcher will not depend on the recalled facts but will analyze the problem, on the basis of the recorded data. Conclusions based on recalled unrecorded data are not trustworthy.

Steps in scientific research Definition of a problem The problem is stated in terms of a particular theoretical framework and related to relevant findings of previous problem. Hypothesis related to the problem, using the previously accepted theoretical principles. Preparation of research design. Data collection.

Data coding and cleansing Data analysis to determine if the hypothesis is verified or rejected The conclusions of the study are related to the original body of theory, which is modified in accordance with the new findings.

Scope of Research It depends on the type of research, i.e., whether it is exploratory research or explanatory or descriptive research. In other words, the research depends upon the general goals, the academic goals, the theoretical goals, and the pragmatic goals of research.

The important aims of a scientific research. To understand different health problems To understand effects of diseases on the individuals and community. To evaluate the health problems, their effects on the community and to find out possible solutions.

How does a researcher start with an idea about what he wants to research on? Taking a clue from existing abstract theory. Through observations in the concrete world Trough curiosity Through investigations.

Formulation of research questions The selection of the research problem is to be linked with the: The purpose of the study How much is already known Is additional information necessary? Can the required data be collected Will the respondents give correct information?

Research questions constitute the most important element of any research They are different from the research objectives They describe the ideas contained in the research objectives, however research questions emerge after the research objectives

They point out the data that are required to be collected in a study. Research questions is a starting point of research The questions have to related to three aspects, of why, what, and how What questions seek descriptions(descriptive study) Why questions seek explanations and understanding(explanatory study) How questions seek interventions to bring about change.(exploratory study)

The major questions are intended to understand, describe, explore, explain, evaluate and assess the impact of some aspects of the phenomenon under study. And also point out the change and to predict the clear direction of the study. Most researchers select topics on the basis of on-going research in their particular field of study, e.g. a criminologist take more interest in the topics like patterns of crime

Sources of selecting research topics The ideas stem from varied sources; such as: Researches conducted by others Exposure to professional seminars and conferences also sometimes throws some ideas of research. Review of literatures and ideas from books and articles. Questions that either others have posed or that arise in the course of one’s reading could become research questions.

5. Experience; one’s own life experiences in professional work or the general life experiences. 6. Prevalent theories:(Popular theories but not scientific ones. 7. Some observed phenomenon, e.g., adult child interaction, health providers interaction with the community.

The research questions depends upon the purpose of the understanding the research, the agency sponsoring research, and the time and money available for the research.

Techniques of developing research questions Recording all questions that occur in mind after reading literatures or after discussions with others or after thinking on various aspects of study. Review the questions whether each question is necessary and delete those that are outside the scope of the study. Remove overlapping questions.

Classify questions on the basis of their nature, i. e Classify questions on the basis of their nature, i.e., separate what, why and how questions Examine the scope of the questions, depending on the time and money available for the study, the scope cannot be too ambitious. Highlight areas that could be manageable within the time and resources. Separate major or key questions from subsidiary questions.

Purpose of research questions. The main purpose of research questions is to define the scope of the research, i.e., to determine what is to be what is to studied and the extent to which it will be studied. Sometimes the researcher is distracted for his original objectives of the research. This may be due to influences like encouraging new ideas, discussion with colleagues, reading more literatures, and ideas that he gets during the course of research. However, he doesn’t neglect his original research. Sometimes, he may change some research questions and ask some new questions from the respondents.

Deciding on the focus and scope of the Research The following are issues particularly important to consider. 1.Usefulness of the information: Will the information to be collected on the identified problem help improve health and health care? How study findings related to the highlighted factors would be studied?

How would the findings be used? 2. Feasibility: Is it feasible to analyze all factors related to the problem in the 4-6 months available for research? 3.Duplication: Is some of the information related factors readily available? What aspects of the problem need further research?