Introduction to Research

Methods & Ethical Issues

By: Humayrah Zahoor
Assistant Professor
 What is Research?

• Definition: A systematic, organized, and scientific process of

collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to answer a question or
solve a problem.
• Systematic, scientific process of investigation
• Collecting, analyzing, interpreting data
• Features: Systematic, Objective, Evidence-based, Replicable
 Key features:

– Systematic → follows step-by-step process.

– Objective → free from bias.
– Evidence-based → conclusions are supported by
data.
– Replicable → others can repeat and verify.
 Importance of Research
• Expands knowledge base.
• Helps in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Contributes to policy-making and healthcare
guidelines.
• Promotes innovation and evidence-based
practice.
• Enhances critical thinking and professional
growth.
 Types of Research
• Based on Purpose:
– Basic Research → aims at theory building.
– Applied Research → solves practical problems.
 Based on Approach:
• Qualitative Research → explores experiences,
meanings (e.g., interviews, focus groups).
• Quantitative Research → numerical data,
measurable outcomes (e.g., surveys,
experiments).
• Mixed Methods → combines both.
 Based on Time Frame:
• Cross-sectional → at one point in time.
• Longitudinal → over a period of time.
 Steps in Research Process

• Identify problem → Literature review → Objectives → Design →

Sampling
• Data collection → Analysis → Interpretation → Reporting

Problem Review Design Data Analysis Report

 Identifying a Research Problem
• 1. What is a Research Problem?
• A research problem is a specific issue,
contradiction, gap, or difficulty in knowledge
or practice that requires investigation.
• Example:
• Broad topic: "Diabetes management."
• Research problem: "Non-adherence to insulin
therapy among adolescents with Type 1
diabetes."
 Identifying Research Problem

• Broad → Narrow → Specific

• Example: Malnutrition in children → rural children → 6-12 years risk
factors
 Characteristics of a Good Research
Problem
• Clear and well-defined.
• Researchable (can be studied scientifically).
• Significant (contributes to
knowledge/practice).
• Ethical (does not harm participants).
• Feasible (in terms of time, resources, skills).
 Sources of Research Problems
• Personal experience.
• Clinical/field observations.
• Literature review (identifying gaps).
• Social issues & current trends.
• Policy needs.
• Guidance from experts
 Steps in Identifying a Research Problem

• Select a broad area of interest.

Example: "Respiratory tract infections."
• Narrow down the focus.
Example: "Fungal infections in respiratory tract
infections."
• Review literature to find gaps.
Example: Few studies on fungal pathogens in
tertiary care hospitals.
 Cont.
• Identify a specific problem.
Example: "Prevalence of fungal pathogens
among respiratory tract infection patients in
tertiary care hospital."
• Justify the problem.
– Why is it important?
– What knowledge gap does it fill?
– Who benefits from the study?
Criteria for Selecting a Research Problem

• Interest → researcher should be motivated.

• Relevance → to profession, society, or field.
• Novelty → adds new insights.
• Practicality → within available resources.
• Ethics → should protect human rights.
 Examples of Research Problems in
Healthcare
• Rising antibiotic resistance in hospital settings.
• Lack of awareness about organ donation.
• Effectiveness of online learning vs classroom
teaching in medical education.
• Prevalence of anemia among pregnant
women.
 Summary
• Research = systematic inquiry.
• Research methods = steps to conduct
research.
• The first step is identifying a research
problem.
• A good research problem is clear, feasible,
significant, ethical, and researchable.
 Meaning of Research Ethics
• Research ethics → set of principles guiding
how research is conducted to ensure the
dignity, rights, and welfare of participants are
protected.
• Based on values of integrity, respect, justice,
beneficence, and responsibility.
Core Ethical Principles.

Respect
Beneficence
Justice
 Core Ethical Principles (Belmont Report)
• Respect for persons (Autonomy)
– Participants have the right to make informed
decisions.
– Informed consent must be obtained.
• Beneficence
– Research should maximize benefits and minimize
harm.
• Justice
– Fair distribution of risks and benefits.
– No exploitation of vulnerable groups.
 Research Ethics Principles

• Respect for persons (Autonomy) → Informed consent

• Beneficence → Maximize benefits, minimize harm
• Justice → Fair distribution of risks & benefits
 Common Ethical Issues
• Informed Consent:
Participants must understand purpose, risks, and
benefits before participation.
• Privacy & Confidentiality:
Protect participants’ personal data (use codes,
anonymity).
• Risk of Harm:
Avoid physical, psychological, social, or legal harm.
• Deception:
Should be avoided unless scientifically justified and
participants are debriefed later.
 Cont.
• Voluntary Participation & Right to Withdraw:
Participants should not be forced or pressured.
• Plagiarism & Misconduct:
Researchers must report findings honestly and
avoid falsification, fabrication, or plagiarism.
• Vulnerable Populations:
Special care when working with children,
elderly, mentally ill, prisoners, or economically
disadvantaged.
 Safeguards for Ethical Research
• Approval from Institutional Ethics Committee
(IEC)/Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Obtaining written informed consent.
• Maintaining confidentiality of data.
• Ensuring voluntary participation.
• Following ethical guidelines (e.g., ICMR
guidelines in India, Declaration of Helsinki).
 Research Design
• 1. Meaning
• Research design = Overall plan or blueprint for
conducting research.
• Guides the researcher on what data to collect,
from whom, how, and how to analyze.
 Functions of Research Design
• Provides structure and direction.
• Ensures research problem is addressed
systematically.
• Helps in achieving validity and reliability.
• Saves time, money, and resources.
 Types of Research Design

• Quantitative: Descriptive, Analytical, Experimental, Cross-sectional,

Longitudinal
• Qualitative: Phenomenology, Ethnography, Grounded Theory, Case
study
• Mixed Methods: Combination of both
 Quantitative Research Designs
• Descriptive Design
– Describes characteristics of a population or
phenomenon.
– Example: Survey on smoking habits in adolescents.
• Analytical (Correlational) Design
– Examines relationships between variables.
– Example: Relationship between stress levels and
academic performance.
 Experimental Design
• Researcher manipulates one variable
(independent) and observes effect on another
(dependent).
• Example: Effect of a new drug on blood pressure.
• Types:
– Pre-experimental
– Quasi-experimental
– True experimental (Randomized Controlled Trial –
RCT).
 Cont.
•Cross-sectional Design
•Data collected at one point in time.
•Example: Prevalence of anemia in pregnant women.
•Longitudinal Design
•Data collected over time.
•Example: Following up diabetic patients for 5 years.
 Qualitative Research Designs
• Phenomenology → explores lived experiences
(e.g., experience of cancer patients).
• Ethnography → studies culture or social group
(e.g., health practices in tribal communities).
• Grounded Theory → develops theory from
data.
• Case Study → in-depth study of one
individual, group, or situation.
Factors to Consider in Selecting a Research
Design
• Nature of research problem.
• Objectives of the study.
• Type of data required
(qualitative/quantitative).
• Resources (time, money, manpower).
• Ethical considerations.
THANK YOU!