Overview of Research process

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 Research is
……….the systematic process of

collecting and analyzing information

(data) in order to increase our
understanding of the phenomenon
about which we are concerned or
interested 2
 Phases of Research
 Phase I : The conceptual Phase

 Phase II: The design and planning stage

 Phase III: The empirical phase

 Phase IV: The Analytical phase

 Phase V: The Dissemination phase 3

 Phase I :
The conceptual
Phase

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1. Formulating and delimiting the
problem
 This is the critical step

Good research depends on good question.

Proceed from a selection of problem, which
is feasible, significant and interesting.
Get Background Information by
 Gaining general knowledge of subject

 Helps formulate your research question

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2. Review the related literature
 Review of literature must be done to learn
what has been done in the field and to
become familiar enough with the field to
allow you to discuss it with others.

 The through review of literature provides a

foundation on which to base new knowledge
and suggesting for a new research.

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 Review- Cont...
 Books
 Magazine/Popular articles
 Newspaper articles
 Scholarly/Peer reviewed articles
 Reference books
 Websites
 Surveys/opinion polls
 Statistical sources, government publications

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3. Undertaking clinical field work
 It will provide perspectives on recent
clinical trends, relevant issues ,
developing methodology etc.
 It also serve as a stimulus for
developing research questions and may
be the first step in some researches.

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 4. Defining the Framework and
developing conceptual framework

When previous theory is used as a basis

for generating predictions that can be
tested through empirical research.

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 5. Formulating hypotheses
 A hypothesis is a statement of the researcher’s
expectations about relationships between the
variables under investigation, which must be
identified in research.

 Hypotheses are tentative, intelligent guesses as to

the solution of the problem.
 Hypotheses can direct later research activities since
they can help determine the nature of the research and
methods applied.

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 Phase II:
The design and
planning stage

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 6. Selecting a research design

 A research design is the overall plan for

obtaining answers to the questions .

 Appropriate research designs must be

chosen based on the nature and objectives

of the study. 12
 7. Developing protocols for
intervention
 It is necessary in Experimental research ,
where the investigator tries to manipulate
the independent variable which influences
the dependent variable.
 Thus formal protocols must be developed
by the researcher which will guide the
researcher. 13
 Cont…..
Protocol must answer to
 What is the intervention? How it differ
from others?
 If there are 2 – difference
 Specific procedures
 How much- eg dosage
 How many times
 when
 How long
 By whom, Any special training?
 Measurement etc.

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8. Identifying the population on
which research is to be conducted
 population refers to the aggregate or totality
of those conforming to a set of
specifications. Eg Nurses working ICU,
Patients with Diabetic mellitus.
 Population must be identified and specified
in the research design.
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 9. Designing the sampling plan:
It is clearly
 more practical,
 feasible and

 less costly

to collect data from the sample than

population. Care must be taken to select
representatives s to collect data for the
study.

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10. Specifying methods to
measure the research variables
 Select appropriate method for measuring
variables and collecting data.
 Before finalizing the data collection plan
researcher must carefully evaluate whether
the chosen methods are appropriate to
answer the question.
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11. Developing methods for
safeguarding human rights
 Adequate measures must be taken to
determine whether the rights of the subjects
have been adequately protected and study
must be presented to review board
committee for its approval.

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12. Finalizing and reviewing the
research plan
 pretesting the questionnaire
 pilot study which is small scale version or
trial run of the major study.
 Modifications can be made in the research
design including data collection
instruments and methods.
 Researcher also can present their plan to
peers and research committee members to
make it more effective.
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 Phase III:
The empirical phase

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13. Collecting the Data

Data must be collected based on

predetermined plans by using appropriate
validated, reliable tools, keeping in mind the
ethical aspects of research. 21
Data collection methods
 Secondary analysis

 Face-to-face interviews

 Self-report questionnaires

 Observation methods
 Telecommunications
 Mailing
 Bio physiological methods

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14. Preparing Data for analysis
 Collected data must be organized, coded and
entered in the appropriate software programs.
 Keep your data organized in a folder or notebook
and make sure it is secure to maintain
confidentiality.

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 Phase IV:
The Analytical
phase

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 15. Analysis of the data

Appropriate descriptive and inferential

statistical methods must be used based on
the objectives and hypothesis of the study
and nature of data.

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 Descriptive Statistics:

Mean, Standard deviation, Frequency,

Percentage etc.

 Inferential Statistics:
Chi Square test, ‘t’ test, ANOVA, correlation
test, Path analysis etc.
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 16. Interpreting the results

 : Interpretation is the process of making

sense of the results and examining their

implications.

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 Phase V:
The Dissemination
phase

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17. Communicating the findings

 Research report must be prepared to

communicate findings with others.
 Research reports can take various forms
such as journal articles, dissertations,
presentations at professional conferences,
internet and so, on.
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18. Utilizing the findings in
practice
Researchers must take active and vigorous steps in
utilizing the research findings in practice
including education to make the research more
meaningful and useful.

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Thank You

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