Post on 23-Dec-2015
Introduction to Research Introduction to Research Methods SupercourseMethods Supercourse
Formulating Research Formulating Research Problems, Questions Problems, Questions and Hypotheses and Hypotheses
Introduction to the course Introduction to the course and to your assignmentand to your assignment
This project is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
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Special thank you to workshop organizers and Nazarbayev University for hosting us
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What is this course designed to achieve? Introduce the concept of research methods Describe basic biostatistical methods Introduce trainees to biostatistical software Introduce trainees to publication and research
process Introduce steps needed in research development Introduce the Central Asian Journal of Global
Health (CAJGH)
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Course assignment: Develop a research project Learn the general steps in the research process
from research idea to project implementation Identify a research problem Define research questions, directional and non-
directional hypotheses Identify the best possible research design for your
hypotheses
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Research Defined
Research is an organized and systematic way to find answers to questions
Research is a creative process
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Why is research important to medicine and public health?
Knowledge obtained from sound
research is transformed into clinical practice, leading to medical practice that is evidence-based.
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The Research Idea
Professional experience Burning questions Literature Professional meetings Discussions
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Criteria for developing a good research question
Feasible
Interesting
Novel
Ethical Relevant
Cummings et al. 2001
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Good research question? Feasible
Subjects Resources Manageable Data available?
Interesting Novel
In relation to previous findings
Confirm or refute? New setting, new population
Ethical Social or scientific value Safe
Relevant Advance scientific
knowledge? Influence clinical practice? Impact health policy? Guide future research?
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A Research Question Must Identify
1. The variables under study
2. The population being studied
3. The testability of the question
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Variables in research
Have 2 or more properties or qualities Age, sex, weight, height
Is one variable related to another? “ Is X related to Y? What is the effect of X on Y?” etc.
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Variables in research
Independent variable: has a presumed effect
on the dependent variable (outcome)
May or may not be manipulated
Dependent variable: Something that varies
with a change in the independent variable
Outcome variable
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Hypothesis
Statement about the relationship between 2 or more variables
Converts the question into a statement that predicts an expected outcome
A unit or subset of the research problem
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Characteristics of hypotheses
Declarative statement that identifies the predicted relationship between 2 or more variables
Testability Based on sound scientific
theory/rationale
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Directional vs. Non-Directional Hypotheses Directional hypothesis
Specifies the direction of the relationship between independent and dependent variables
Non-directional hypothesisShows the existence of a relationship
between variables but no direction is specified
Finding appropriate research design Cohort Cross sectional Case control Clinical trial ?
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Prepare PowerPoint presentaiton 10 minutes long ~10 slides Select 1 presenter from each group Present during the last day Each presentation should include
research area, significance, hypothesis, and rough design of the experiment
Practical applications of this project?
Create your own research project Understand published research papers Understand presentations at scientific
conferences Publish your research!!
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Central Asian Central Asian Journal of Global Journal of Global HealthHealthWelcome!
What is CAJGH
Biannual open access journal Focus area is Central Asian Region Peer reviewed Started in April 2012 as a part of USAID
project Distinguished Editorial Advisory board
Questions?
Faina.linkov@gmail.com
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