Introduction to Research Methodology 1 Course Objectives At

Introduction to Research Methodology (1)

Course Objectives At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. understand the basic concepts of research and its methodologies 2. identify appropriate research topics 3. select and define appropriate research problem and parameters 4. prepare a project proposal (to undertake a project) 5. organize and conduct research (advanced project) in a more appropriate manner 6. write a research report and thesis

Methods of Evaluation o Quiz o Tests(2= Mid terms) o Assignment and participation 5% 40% 5% o Final Exam 50% MRI Physics and Instrumentation

Four sources of knowledge or truth o Mythical (Religious ) o Authoritative o Logical o Scientific 4

Goal of Science Seek truth or create knowledge o Truth obtained from the scientific method contains both logic and evidence that are consistent with each other. o Science cannot settle debate about values (good or bad, right or wrong, e. g. stem cell research) – objectivity. o Ultimate goal of science is to improve the human condition. 5

Research is not Accidental discovery 1. Accidental discovery may occur in structured research process. 2. Usually takes the form of a phenomenon not previously noticed. 3. May lead to a structured research process to verify or understand the observation. 6

Research is not … cont. Data Collection • an intermediate step to gain reliable knowledge. 7

Research is not … cont. Searching out published research results in libraries (or the internet) • This is an important early step of research 8

Research is… 9

Applications of Research Results • All well designed and conducted research has potential application. • Failure to see applications can be due to: – Users not trained or experienced in the specialized methods of economic research and reasoning. – Researchers often do not provide adequate interpretations and guidance on applications of the research. • Researchers are responsible to help users understand research implications (How? ) 10

o Public research is a public good n May be more rigorous and objective because it is subject to more analysis. o Private research may also be rigorous n But research on a company’s product may be questioned as biased. 11

Research Definition o Research is a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable.

Research Methodology & Methodology and Method are often (incorrectly) used interchangeable • Methodology the study of how research is done. So, method is a part of methodology. • Method the specific techniques, tools or procedures applied to achieve a given objective. 13

The 5 steps of Research • A question or problem (step 1) • Next, goals and objectives are formulated to deal with the question or problem (step 2) • Then the research design is developed to achieve the objectives (step 3) • Results (step 4) • Interpretation and analysis of results (step 5) 14

Research Objectives A research can be undertaken for two different purposes: 1. To solve a currently existing problem (applied research). 2. To contribute to the general body of knowledge in a particular area of interest (basic/fundamental research).

Good research question? o Feasible n n o Ethical n Social or scientific value n Safe Subjects Resources Manageable Data available? o Relevant n Advance scientific knowledge? n Influence clinical practice? n Impact health policy? n Guide future research? o Interesting o Novel n In relation to previous findings o Confirm or refute? n New setting, new population 16

Research Characteristics 1. Controlled: The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables (factors). 2. Rigorous: are relevant, appropriate and justified 3. Systematic: the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence 4. Valid, verifiable, and reproducible: the findings is correct and can be verified by you and others.

Research Characteristics…. cont. 5. Empirical: this means that any conclusion drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real life experiences or observations. 6. Critical: The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from drawbacks. 7. Saving resources

Types of Researches Research can perspectives be classified from 1. application of research study. 2. objectives in undertaking the research. 3. inquiry mode employed three

Types of Research: Application Applied Research: Research done with the intention of applying the results to solve specific problems. Basic Research: Research done with the intention to generate more knowledge and understanding of the phenomena that occur and to build theories based on the research results. Both types of research follow the same steps of systematic inquiry to arrive at solutions to problems.

Type of research: Objectives o From the viewpoint of objectives, a research can be classified as 1. Descriptive research attempts to describe a problem, phenomenon. 2. Correlational research attempts to establish the existence of a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation. 3. Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. 4. Exploratory research is undertaken to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study (feasibility study / pilot study). In practice most studies are a combination of the first three categories.

Research types: Inquiry Mode o From the process adopted to find answer to research questions the two approaches are: 1. Structured approach: quantitative research. The research is predetermined. 2. Unstructured approach: The unstructured qualitative research. This approach allows flexibility in all aspects of the research process.