1. Overview of Research Methodology
Dr. Gift Norman
Head, Community Health & Family Medicine

2. What is Research?
Research is ‘systematic scientific enquiry to validate and refine existing knowledge and generate new knowledge’
Investigation that is carried out in an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions
It produces information called data which when analyzed tells us things that helps us understand things that we did not know or were not sure before
It’s a sharing and learning process
Research guides practice `

3. Steps Idea generation Protocol preparation Data collection Analysis
Report writing - Thesis

4. What needs to be sent to NBE
Protocol
Informed consent
Scientific Committee approval letter
Ethics Committee approval letter

5. Dates worth to remember
Protocol – 3 months after joining
Final thesis – 6 months before exam
You have to have focused plan to keep these dates… its not easy!!
Forgetting these dates can be very expensive!!

6. General guidelines-1
All the candidates should strictly adhere to the research protocol template
The font should be Arial/ Times New Roman, size 12 and in sentence case
The font should not be in bold or in italics
The text should be justified

7. General guidelines-2 Please mention your guide with designation
Please mention your name and DNB registration number
The references should be written as super script
The order should be preserved

8. Research Protocol sections
Title
Introduction & justification
Research question / Hypothesis
Objectives
Literature Review
Materials & Methods
Ethics
Budget
References
Annexure

9. Thesis – An inevitable evil

10. But you can make it a pleasant experience

11. Introduction Thesis is a requirement by the board
Earlier they were more liberal
Most students submitted after theory exams
Acceptable by NBE

12. Current scenario DNB Board stricter now Emphasis on quality
Detailed evaluation of protocol, statistical methods, informed consent, the outcome variables you are interested in etc. etc.

13. Change in scenario The protocol submitted within 3months of joining
The protocol is sent to a review panel by the National Board
Some disqualified/ rejected: many needed clarifications

14. NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS FORMAT FOR ASSESSMENT OF DNB THESIS
CONFIDENTIAL
NATIONAL BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS
FORMAT FOR ASSESSMENT OF DNB THESIS
IDENTIFICATION DATA
Name of Specialty: Family Medicine
2. Title of Thesis : A prospective study of Iron Deficiency Anemia in males
above 14 years of age in a tertiary care hospital
3. Name of candidate
4. Code Number:

15. REMARKS OF THE ASSESSOR
Please give your remarks on the thesis under the following sub heads. In case of modifications, please indicate the specific modifications desire and suggestions for the candidate.
INTRODUCTION
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
MATERIAL & METHODS
STUDY AREA
STUDY POPULATION
SAMPLE SIZE & SAMPLE TECHNIQUE
4. DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUE AND TOOLS
5. DATA ANALYSIS
  RESULTS
7. DISCUSSION
8. CONCLUSION
9. REFERENCES/BIBILIOGRAPHY
10. ANNEXURE

18. Rejections to Zero Avoid rejections, disapprovals and clarifications
Produce work of good standard.

19. Quality

20. The primary responsibility of the thesis is on You
Ownership
The primary responsibility of the thesis is on You
Your Guide and your HOD

21. The metamorphosis of your protocol

22. The process Steps 1 Idea generation at dept level 2
Brainstorming session – You / Guide / HOD 3
Writing protocol as per the guidelines…to be completed by 3rd. month 4
Submitting it on time 5
SC presentation 6
Modifying as per SC suggestions / signed by guide and HOD 7
EC presentation 8.
Sending it to National Board 9
Implementation and completion / Data Analysis 10
Progress report
Submission on time

23. Data collection Primary responsibility is yours
Keep your guide and the HOD informed
Any deviation from the protocol should be discussed with your guide and the HOD

24. Data collection
Randomization and implementation should be strictly followed to ensure the quality of research
6 monthly progress report should be presented to the guide

25. Finish line
Once the thesis is finished, a hard copy as well as a soft copy of your thesis and master chart should be submitted
At least one paper should be published, from your thesis.