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Arba Minch University
College of Medicine and Health sciences
School of public health
Introduction to Research
Firdawek G.([Link] of epidemiology)
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Learning objectives/outcomes
At the end of this session, the student will be able to:
Define research and health research
Identify characteristics and types of research
Describe the main components of research
work
Describe criteria for selecting a research topic
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What is Research?
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What is Research?
Research
is the systematic process of collecting,
analyzing and interpreting of data in order to
increase scientific understanding of the
phenomenon about which we are concerned or
interested
It relies on methods and principles that will
produce credible and verifiable results.
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What is Health Research?
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What is Health Research?
Health research
is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data
to generate knew knowledge for health and to answer a
certain health questions/solve health related problems
It aims:
to develop tools to prevent /cure illness and mitigate its effects
and
to devise better approaches to health care for the individual
and community.
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Health Systems Research is ultimately
concerned with improving the health of
people & communities, by enhancing the
efficiency and effectiveness of the health
system as an integral part the overall
process of socio-economic development,
with full involvement of all partners
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Essential Features of Health Systems
Research
It should focus on priority problems
It should be action oriented ( aimed at
developing solutions)
An integrated multidisciplinary approach is
required (research approaches from many
disciplines)
The research should be participatory in
nature (from policy makers to community
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Essential Features (cond’t)
Research must be timely
Emphasis should be placed on comparatively
simple, short-term research designs that are
likely to yield practical results.
Results should be presented in formats most
useful for administrators, decision makers and
the community.
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Characteristics of Research
1. Demands clear statement of the problem
2. Requires clear objectives and plan
3. Builds on existing data, using both positive
and negative findings
4. Data should be systematically collected
and analyzed to answer the research
objectives/questions
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Research must be:
1. Purposeful: what do you want to be able
to contribute?
2. Targeted: Who are the audiences?
3. Credible: consider sources of
information, method of data collection,
personnel involved.
4. Timely: Is the information needed?
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Types of Research
based on purpose
1. Basic/fundamental/pure research
2. Applied/operational/action oriented
research
based on nature of research
3. Qualitative
4. Quantitative
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Basic versus applied research
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Qualitative versus Quantitative research
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Main components of any research
work
1. Preparing a research proposal
2. Fieldwork (i.e., data collection)
3. Analyzing data and preparing a research
report
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What is research proposal
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Research proposal
A research proposal is a document that presents
a plan for a project to reviewers for evaluation
Its purpose is to convince reviewers that you are
capable of successfully conducting the proposed
research project
Reviewers have more confidence that planned
project will be successfully completed if the
proposal is well written and organized, and if you
demonstrate careful planning.
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Written proposal is important
To clearly define the problem under study
To avoid reinventing the wheel
To clearly depict the methodology to be
used
To be cost and time conscious
To be clear about what to expect in the end
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Components of Research Proposal
Title
Acknowledgements
Table of contents
List of tables
List of figures
Abbreviation and Acronyms
Summary
Introduction
Literature review
Objective
Method
Work plan
Budget
References
Annexes
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Identifying and selecting a research
topic
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Topic Identification and Selection
The first step in designing any research
study is deciding what to study.
Researchers choose the topics that they
study in a variety of ways.
Researchers achieve competence through
a combination of training and experience.
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Research topic Anatomy
Focus on clear and specific idea
Clearly demonstrate the target population
Tell to readers the study area
Show the year to be conducted
Generally topic should answer “Wh questions”
What? c. Where?
Who? d. When?
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Sources of a research topics
Literature review
Professional conferences
Observations
Experts
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Criteria for selecting a research topic
Relevance: Priority problem
Avoidance of duplication: Repetition with out new idea
Feasibility: Complexity of the problem & the resources
Political commitment: Interest of the authorities
Applicability: Cost-effectiveness/transferability
Timeliness: Urgency of data needed
Ethical acceptability: Balance risk and benefit
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