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INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

COURSE SYNOPSIS

Definition of research
Types of research
Research methods
Importance of research
Identification and definition of research problem/topic
Problem statement
Formulation of hypothesis
Formulation of research objectives/research questions
Variables

WHAT IS RESEARCH?

Research is the systemic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer a certain
question or solve a problem. Research Refers to systemic search for knowledge. It can also be
defined as a scientific and systemic search for information or a careful investigation/inquiry for
new factors. Research is a search or quest for knowledge through scientific and systemic
collection, organization, and analysis of information/data to generate inferences about a
particular issue or aimed at solving a problem.

Characteristics of research

It demands a clear statement of problem.

It requires clear objectives and plan it is not aimlessly looking for something in the hopes that
you will come across a solution) it builds on existing data using both positive and negative
findings.
New data should be systemically collected and analyzed to answer the original research
objectives.

Types of research

Basic or pure research

It is Knowledge searching research and aims at purely gaining knowledge. Most discoveries were
done out of curiosity. This is research which is done for knowledge enhancement, the research
which does not have immediate commercial potential. It is called basic, pure, fundamental
research. The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent something
new. Basic research lays down the foundation for the applied research.

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Applied research

It is Problem solving research and aims at finding a solution to an existing problem. Applied
research is designed to solve practical problem of the modern world, rather than to acquire
knowledge for knowledges sake. The goal of applied research is to improve the human
conditions. It focuses on analysis and solving social and real life problems. This research is
generally conducted on large scale basis, it is expensive. As such, it is often conducted with the
support of some financing agency like government, public corporation, World Bank, UNICEF.
According to hunt, applied research is an investigation for ways of using scientific knowledge to
solve practical problems for example:- improve agriculture crop production, treat or cure a
specific disease, improve the energy efficiency homes, offices, how can communication among
workers in large companies be improved? Applied research can be further classified as problem
oriented and problem solving research. Problem oriented research: - research is done by industry
apex body for sorting out problems faced by all the companies.

E.g. the reindeer and Concorde air craft are the most comfortable and fast flying aircrafts in the
world. Research found that after 1440 hours the propellers of these aircrafts would disintegrate.
So researchers recommended that no such air craft should fly nonstop for over 1440 hours or
else a lot of lives shall be lost.

RESEARCH METHODS

Quantitative research

It is a process of inquiry based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured in numbers

and analyzed using statistical techniques. Quantitative method of research is interested in
determining whether the predictive generalization of a theory held is true or not. Quantitative
research aims at measuring the quantity or amount and compares it with past records and tries
to project for future period. In social sciences, quantitative research refers to the systematic
empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships.

The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories
or hypothesis pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to quantitative
research because it provides fundamental connection between empirical observation and
mathematical expression of quantitative relationships. Quantitative research involving the use of
structured questions, where the response options have been Pre-determined and large number
of respondents is involved.

Quantitative research methods include

Experimental/research such as randomized clinical trials

Observation/analytical studies

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Cohort studies

Qualitative Research

The aim of Qualitative research is to develop an understanding of a social or human problem

from a multiple perspective e.g. research in HIV/AIDS, Malaria TB. Qualitative research is
collecting, analyzing and interpreting data by observing what people do and say. Qualitative
research refers to the meanings, definitions, characteristics, symbols, and description of things.

Qualitative research is much more subjective and uses very different methods of collecting
information, mainly individual, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The nature of this type of
research is exploratory and open ended. Small numbers of people are interviewed in depth and
or a relatively small number of focus groups are conducted.

Qualitative research methods

Historical surveys/document review

Ethnographical surveys
Case studies
Observation surveys

Qualitative vs. Quantitative research methods

Qualitative Quantitative
Qualitative research is concerned with finding Quantitative research is concerned with
the answers to questions like why, how and in finding the answers to questions like how
what way? many, how much and to what extent?
Data is collected mainly using words, pictures, Collect numerical Data
observation of events
Data analysis includes coding of data, and Data analysis is mainly mathematical
production of verbal analysis
Narratives verbal statements are applied
Data is presented in tables graphs, pie charts
and other statistical forms
E.g. what stops people from giving up What proportion of smokers tried to give up
smoking? smoking?

Importance of research

Health research serves two major purposes:

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1. Basic research is necessary to generate new knowledge and technologies to deal with major
unsolved problems
2. Applied research is necessary to identify priority problems and design and evaluate policies
and interventions that will deliver the greatest health benefits making optimal use of
available resources.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC

Bearing in mind the fact that research is intended to provide information for decision making in
community health and improve health care, the selection and analysis of a research topic should
involve those responsible for health status in the community. This should include managers in
health and health related services, health care workers and community leaders, as well as
researchers.

Each topic that is to be researched has to be judged according to certain guidelines, or criteria.
The following should be considered in selecting a topic:

Relevance

The topic should be a priority problem. How large or wide spread is the problem? Who is
affected? How sever is the problem? Who considers the problem as important? Managers, health
mangers, health staff, and community members may perceive the problem differently.
Community members for example may give a higher priory to economic concerns than certain
community health problems. To ensure full participation of is advisable to design the topic in
such a way that all concerned parties have interest in solving the problem at hand.

Avoidance of duplication

It is important to find out whether the topic you wish to study has been investigated before either
within the proposed area of study or different one with similar conditions. If the topic has been
researched, the results should be reviewed to explore whether major questions that deserved
further investigations were unanswered. If not another topic should be chosen.

Urgency of data needed (timeliness)

How urgently are the results needed for making a decision or developing interventions at various
levels (from community to policy level)?

Political acceptability of the study

The research topic should interest and have support of the local and international authorities.
This will increase the chance of results of the study to be implemented.

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Feasibility of the study

Compare the complexity of the study topic and the resources available for you to carry out the
study. Consider issues of manpower, funds, time and equipment that are locally and readily
available.

Applicability of the results/recommendations

Is it likely that the recommendations from the study will be implemented? This will depend not
only on the management capability within the team and blessing of authorities but also on the
availability of the resources for implementing the recommendations. Likewise the opinion of the
potential clients and responsible staff will influence the implementation of recommendations.

Ethical acceptability

During the selection of the topic consider the possibly of causing harm to the respondents of
subjects involved in research. Therefore consider ethical issues such as acceptability of the study,
conditions of the subjects e.g. treating exiting diseases, informed consent, giving feedback etc.

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