Unit 1-General Research

Methodology

Dr. Meena Purohit

 Content
Methods & Methodology
Steps involved in research
Study design
Types of study design

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 Methods & Methodology
Research methods are the various procedures, schemes
and algorithms used in research. All the methods used by
a researcher during a research study are termed as
research methods.
Research methods help us collect samples, data and find
a solution to a problem.
Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a
problem. It is a science of studying how research is to be
carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which
researchers go about their work of describing, explaining
and predicting phenomena are called research
methodology. It is also defined as the study of methods
by which knowledge is gained. Its aim is to give the work
plan of research.
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 Methods & Methodology
Research methods help us get a solution to a problem.
On the other hand, research methodology is concerned with
the explanation of the following:
 Why is a particular research study undertaken?
 How did one formulate a research problem?
 What types of data were collected?
 What particular method has been used?
 Why was a particular technique of analysis of data used?
The study of research methods gives training to apply them
to a problem.
The study of research methodology provides us the
necessary training in choosing methods, materials,
scientific tools and training in techniques relevant for the
problem chosen.
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 Methods & Methodology

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 Steps in Research
Define Research Problem

Review of Literature &

Methodology
Data Collection for Pretest
& Execution Data
Collection

Analysis

Inferences

Reporting
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Selection of a Research Topic
Theory of one’s own interest
 e.g. Reaction Mechanism
Daily problems
 e.g. Obesity, AIDS, Pediatric healthcare
Technological changes
 e.g. Analytical methods (UV, HPLC), Diagnostic tools
(Bioassays, Biomarkers)
Recent trends
 e.g. Structure based drug design, Novel Drug Delivery

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 Selection of a Research Topic
Unexplored areas
 Pharmacognosy – Extraction and evaluation of photochemical
from local tress/plants for pharmacological activity.
Discussion with experts and research supervisor
 Like and interest of guide.
Researcher Side Topic Side

•Interest •Relevance
•Magnitude •Availability of
•Level of data
expertise •Novelty
•Time Frame •Ethical issues
•Money, Man & •Measurement
Material of concepts
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 Formulation of a Problem
Defining the problem is one of the most important step in
research. It is more important than its solution.
A research problem is a scientific researchable statement.
It should be clear, precise, self-explanatory and answer all “Wh”
questions: What, when, how and where
Steps to define research problem
 Identify a broad field or subject of interest to you
 Dissect the broad area into subareas
 Select what is of most interest to you
 Raise research questions
 Formulate objectives
 Assess your objectives
 Double check

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 Aims & Objectives
Aims are what you want to achieve, while, objectives are
what will you do to achieve them.
Aim : Abstract, Objective: To Do List
 Development of sustained release tablet of paracetamol.
Objectives:
 To do preformulation studies.
 To make tablet of desired pharmaceutical features.
 To develop analytical method for paracetamol.
 To do dissolution studies.

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 Review of Literature
Literature survey is collection of research publications, books
& other documents related to the defined research problem.
One can survey
 the journals which publish abstracts of papers published in
various journals,
 review articles related to the topic chosen,
 journals which publish research articles,
 advanced level books on the chosen topic,
 proceedings of conferences, workshops, etc.,
 Govt. and NGO Records & Reports
 reprint/preprint collections available with the supervisor and
nearby experts working on the topic chosen and
 Internet (Blogs/company website/On line journals:
ww.articalbase.com /E. Databases –Medline ).

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 Review of Literature Helps To
Sharpen the problem, reformulate it or even leads to
defining other closely related problems,
Get proper understanding of the problem chosen,
Acquire proper theoretical and practical knowledge to
investigate the problem,
Show how the problem under study relates to the
previous research studies and
Know whether the proposed problem had already been
solved.

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 Research Study Design
A research design is the arrangement of conditions for
collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to
combine relevance to the research purpose with
economy in procedure.
The research design is the conceptual structure within
which research is conducted; it constitutes the blueprint
for the collection, measurement and analysis of data.
Research design is needed because it facilitates the
smooth sailing of the various research operations,
thereby making research as efficient as possible yielding
maximal information with minimal expenditure of effort,
time and money.

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 Design Decision Depends On
1. What is the study about?
2. Why is the study being made?
3. Where will the study be carried out?
4. What type of data is required?
5. Where can the required data be found?
6. What periods of time will the study include?
7. What will be the sample design?
8. What techniques of data collection will be used?
9. How will the data be analyzed?
10.In what style will the report be prepared?

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 Parts of Research Design
1. The sampling design which deals with the method of
selecting items to be observed for the given study;
2. The observational design which relates to the conditions
under which the observations are to be made;
3. The statistical design which concerns with the question
of how many items are to be observed and how the
information and data gathered are to be analyzed; and
4. The operational design which deals with the techniques
by which the procedures specified in the sampling,
statistical and observational designs can be carried out.

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 Types of Research Design

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