Introduction to Research Romulo S. de Villa, MD, PhD, Cert. Biochemistry Molecular & Nutritional Oncologist Professor of Biochemistry & Nutrition Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Consultant

Definition of Research Process of asking questions and answering them in an organized way through: Survey Experiment Involves: Examination of limits of knowledge Assessing what is known up to that point Defining unanswered questions Devising ways of answering them in an oranized and meaningful way Within the capability of every thinking person

Steps of the Research Process 1. Choice of institution, field, supervisor and topic 2. Comprehensive period of background reading 3. Formulation of research question (objective) and suggested answer (hypothesis) 4. Define method of investigation with appropriate form of statistical analysis 5. Conduct of the study 6. Generating meaningful conclusions 7. Reporting of the study to the appropriate audience

Requirement of Research An enquiring mind will recognize the existence of questions that need to be answered Define unanswered question(s)

Medical Research Areas Basic Medical Research Clinical Research Show slides on Medical Research (Basic & Clinical) Show slides on Medical Research (Basic & Clinical)

Topic of Research Choice of Field is based on: Department’s preference Student’s interest Process 1. Department defines the field 2. Student identifies a specific topic 3. Discuss topic with adviser and come up with a clear question and a proposed answer

Characteristics of a Good Topic Original or with good reason to repeat study Sufficient scientific merit and interest Appropriate depth of study to satisfy degree An outcome is assured whether + or - Research Problem has viable proposed solution Not too difficult or impossible Within capabilities Appropriate to skills and understanding of student Task to be done Can be completed in allocated time With reasonable chance of success Not too complex but sufficiently detailed

Where to look for Topics Scientific Literature: Gaps Inconsistencies Areas of Uncertainty Questions Unexpected findings Scientific Literature: Suggestions Alternative explanations Unsubstantiated Claims Unqualified Statements Speculations

Background Reading Clarify the problem to be studied Set up a reading plan 1. General textbook 2. Specific textbook of monograph 3. Look for leading articles & reviews that, Lay down basic principles Identify prime references 4. Trace articles frequently mentioned in reviews and read them 5. Get advise from supervisor or experienced worker on the main papers to be read

Critical Reading Look for evidence for every statement in the: Methods, Materials, Form of Analysis, Results Expert opinions are still hypothesis and have never been tested or proven Make sure that conclusions are justified by the methods & results and not based on unsubstantiated claims and speculations Look for Gaps, inconsistencies, unexplained and serendipitous findings

Action Plan (Protocol) Title Aims of the Study Background of the Field Methods and Materials Organization Finance References

Fulfillment of Institutional Requirements Biosafety Approval Ethics Approval if human subjects are involved Animal Welfare Approval

Principles of Research Design Inherent Limitations Variation in the measurement of events Impossible to conduct study on the complete population Statistics used to: Assess how reliable sample results reflect what is happening in the population from which they are drawn

Statistical Analysis Types Descriptive Inferential Application of Statistics Requires: Sound logic Keen eye for unexpected trends in data Understanding of statistical concepts

Principles of Investigation Category of Questions Asked: What produces an effect? What is the size of the effect? What produces the best effect? Variables are the what (independent variable) effect (dependent variable)

Principles of Investigation How to answer questions: What produces an effect? Examine whether a change in a dependent variable is associated with a given change in an independent variable or group of variables What is the size of the effect? Measure size of change What produces the best effect? Compare sizes of various changes in a dependent variable or group of variables associated with various changes in different independent variables or groups of variables

Principles of Design Provide a means of data collection wherein Bias is controlled Sources of error Reduced or eliminated Not the reason for the difference in values of the dependent variable Sources of interference

Ways to Investigate Survey Collecting evidence from naturally occurring events Taking place Have taken place Controlled Experiment Controlling one or more independent variables Measuring the effect

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