Introduction to Research

Methodology & Biostatistics

Dr. Meena Purohit

 Syllabus of RMB

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 Content
Research
What is research?
Why to do research? (objectives)
Classification of research
Study design

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 Research
Research is the systematic approach to
obtaining and confirming new and reliable
knowledge.
According to Clifford Woody research comprises
defining and redefining problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting,
organizing and evaluating data; making
deductions and reaching conclusions; and at
last carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis.

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 Research: how we know what we know

Research is an quest of answer for an

unanswered question to enhance the exiting
stock of knowledge (science) through
experimentation/examination, analyzing the
data, reasoning and communicating the
happening (experience, understanding,
results).

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 Characteristics of Research
It demands clear statement of the problem.
It establishes the relationship between
cause and effect.
It helps in generation of principles and
theories of prediction.
It is based on observational, experimental
and empirical evidence.

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 Characteristics of Research
It requires deep knowledge of the subject.
It should be objective and logical.
It should be carefully recorded and reported.
It is characterized by patience and unhurried
activity.
Researcher should avoid personal feeling
and preferences.

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 What is not Research?
Accidental discovery
May occur in structured research process
May lead to structured research process to verify
or understand the observation
Data collection
It is an intermediate step to gain knowledge
Reviewing literature
Early step of research

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 Why to do research?
To enhance scientific knowledge
Improve the medical and health practice.
Benefit the patients and community.
Study new phenomenon for establishing the facts.
Help in planning the medical and health programs.
Support managerial aspects of health development.
Improve diagnostic techniques by newer, cheaper
and accurate tests.
Help in effective patient care management.

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 Classification of Research

Application Objective Enquiry Mode

•Pure •Descriptive •Quantitative

•Applied •Exploratory •Qualitative
•Correlational •Mixed
•Explanatory Research
Methods

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 Examples
Pure
• A structural analysis of M protein in coronavirus assembly and
morphology
Applied
• Identification of potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 by
targeting proteins responsible for envelope formation and virion
assembly using docking based virtual screening, and
pharmacokinetics approaches
Descriptive
• Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 99 cases of 2019
novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a descriptive study

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 Examples
Exploratory
A preliminary study on effect of ginger extract on
clotting time
Correlational
A study on increasing respiratory disorders in
polluted cities.
Explanatory/Causal
A study on beneficial effects of salty water and
increasing reproduction rate of Cat fish.

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