Chapter One

Introduction to Research
Methodology

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 Definition of Research
– Research is a systematic collection, analysis and
interpretation of data to generate new knowledge
and answer a certain question or solve a problem.
– Research is a systematic inquiry that uses
disciplined methods to answer questions or solve
problems.
– The ultimate goal of research is to develop, refine,
and expand a body of knowledge.

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 Def..
– Research is the systematic collection, analysis and
interpretation of data to answer a certain question
or solve a problem or add body of knowledge.

– Research is the systematic investigation into and

study of materials, sources, etc, in order to
establish facts and reach new conclusions.

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 Def.….
Therefore, Research is
An approach in obtaining a solution for a
problem.
Necessary to generate new knowledge and
technologies to solve problems.
Necessary to identify priority problems, design
and evaluate policies and programs
We may think the answer is obvious, common
sense even But until we have subjected our
problem to rigorous scientific scrutiny, our
'knowledge' remains little more than guesswork
or at best, intuition
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 Chapter One….
Characteristics of research
– Originates with a question or problem
– Requires clear articulation of a goal
– Follows a specific plan or procedure
– Often divides main problem into sub problems
– Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis
– Accepts certain critical assumptions
– Requires collection and interpretation of data.

Research must be: Purposeful, Targeted,

Credible and Timely

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 Chapter One….
Health Research
– Health research is the application of principles of
research on health

– Health research has been broadly defined as the

generation of new knowledge using the scientific method
to identify and deal with health problems

– Health Research is a systematic collection, analysis and

interpretation of data to solve a health problem.

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 Chapter One….
Research that supports health development is known
as Health Systems Research
Health system Includes :
1. The individual, family and the community with its socio-
cultural beliefs and actions
2. Health care services - private and Public (governmental)
sector - Health workers, health institutions, etc.
3.Health related sectors : education, agriculture,
etc.
4.The international sector (bilateral) and multilateral
donor agencies
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 Chapter One….
The ultimate goal of research in health is

– To modify the natural history of disease

– To prevent or delay, death or disability and

– To improve the health of a patient, population

or the community

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 Types of Health Research
1. Based on Functions:

– Basic/fundamental  (building knowledge)

undertaken to extend the base of knowledge in a
discipline, or to formulate or refine a theory.

– Applied /action/operational  (solution to

problems). Applied research focuses on finding
solutions to existing problems. Includes identifying
priority problems

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 Type of research…
2. Based on philosophical approach:

 Empirical : based upon observation and

experience

 Theoretical: based upon theory and abstraction

• Empirical research in the health sciences can be qualitative or

quantitative in nature.

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 Types of research
Quantitative research:
– Is based on the measurement of quantity.
– Involves the generation of data through observation
and measurement
E.g: prevalence of smoking
Qualitative research:
– Is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes,
opinions and behavior.
– Answer why and how questions
– help us understand behaviors, attitudes, perceptions,
and culture. Eg. What people think, feel, about health
effects of smoking…
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Steps involved in the research process

- Identifying a problem
– Preparing a research proposal
– Fieldwork (i.e., data collection)
– Analyzing data and preparing a research report
– Dissemination and application of results

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 Problem
Problem Planning
Planning
identification
identification research?/proposal/
research?/proposal/

Implementing
Implementing
Application
Application research
research

Disseminating
Disseminating
findings
findings

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 Components of a Research Proposal

1. Preliminary part

– Cover page/ Title pages (2)

– Abstract / Summary (background, objective/aim, method,

budget summary, key words)
– Table of Contents

– List of Figures

– List of Tables

– Acronym/ Abbreviation

– Acknowledgement
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 Proposal component….
2. Body of the report
Chapter one
INTRODUCTION
 Background information
 Statement of the problem
 Justification of the study / Significance of the study

Chapter two
 Literature review
 Conceptual frame work

Chapter Three
OBJECTIVES/ Hypothesis
 General objective
 Specific objectives 16
 Proposal component….
Chapter Four

METHODOLOGY/ Method and Materials

 Study area and period
 Study design/ type
 Population (source population, study population, study unit)
 Inclusion and exclusion criteria
 sample size determination
 sampling techniques/sampling procedure
 Plan for Data collection procedures (instrument, personnel, data quality
control)
 Plan for data processing and analysis
 variables of the study
 Operational definition (if any)
 Data quality control management/ techniques
 Ethical consideration
 Dissemination plan
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 Proposal component….

Chapter Five
WORK PLAN

Chapter Six
BUDGET

References

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 Chapter One….
3. Supplementary part
Annex
- Data collection instruments (questionnaire, interview guide)

- Written consent form

- Standard procedures (if applicable)

- Case definition or staging/diagnostic criteria (if applicable)

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 The end

Thank you for attention

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