Introduction to Research Methods in Medical and Environmental Sciences

 
 
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
 SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE
STUDIES
 
Course Title: PGC 601
Research Methodology In Medical, Health &
Environmental Sciences
 
By
 
 
Professor F.E. Ejezie  PhD
 
Dept. of Medical Biochemistry
 
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
 
College of Medicine
 
 
OUTLINE
 
What is Research?
Research Methods & Research Methodology
Stages of a research project
Format for Research project report
Chapters of a research project report
 
 
 
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
 
    At the end of the lecture, the students will be able to:
Define research and identify the focus of research
process
Outline the major stages of a research project
Develop a research question
Select a research method
Establish a sample population
Gather, analyse and present data
Interpret and discuss research results/data
Arrange a research project report in chapters
 
 
 
 
 
What is Research?
 
Research may be defined as a
 systematic
 way to look
for 
new facts
, knowledge and information on a specific
topic.
It is a movement from known to unknown
Involves the identification of a 
problem
Investigation of the problem
To provide more facts and information
Through planned collection, analysis and interpretation
of data
Research is obtained in 
ALL
 disciplines and
May also be multi-disciplinary research
 
 
Research Methods vs Research
Methodology
 
The term "
research
 methods" typically refers to the
strategy or plan that a researcher has devised in order to
gather data in a particular subject or topic.
In the sciences, they include – experiments, tests,
surveys......etc.
Methods may be laboratory, clinical, field work, studio,
questionnaire .........etc
While "
research methodology
" sounds similar to
"research method," research methodology refers to the
systematically arranged steps/stages involved in a research
process.
Eg. statement of problem, literature review, research
method........etc
 
 
Why do Research?
 
Research reports may be used in:
Academic exercises like award of Degrees,
Diplomas, Fellowships, Certificates,
Promotion
Or 
Applied to improve quality of human life
and
 develop different spheres of life
 
3 Major Stages of Research
 
Introductory Stage
 
Review of literature
Statement of problem
Aim of research
Specific objectives
Hypothesis formulation
 
Execution Stage
 
Research design preparation
Data collection
Data analysis and interpretation
 
Concluding Stage
 
Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendation
Report writing
References
 
 Definition of Research Problem
 
Identify the Research problem
Select the Research Topic
Understand the research problem thoroughly
A problem could be identified through:
 review of literature (vast reading)
observation of events
 discussions/consultations with other researchers
Now formulate the research question
Eg  Does parity have any relationship with obesity in
pregnant women?
Do micronutrients play any role in pregnancy outcome?
 
What is the influence of parental academic standard on the
school performance of children?
Research questions could be refined or modified.
 
 
Statement of Problem(Justification)
 
Enables researcher to systematically point out
what the problem  is
Why the problem should be solved
What is to be achieved
It justifies the study
A good literature search is very useful in the
statement of problem.
 
Review of Literature
 
This is a 
very important aspect
 of project
formulation
May be continuous throughout the project
execution
Helps to find available information on the
topic
Should be extensive and focused
Helps to know what others have done or
reported
 
Review of Literature contd
 
Prevents duplication
Identifies contested issues
Provides facts for the justification of research
project
Helps in formulation of objectives and
research questions
Provides a guide for choice of methods,
sample size, & statistical analysis (design)
 
Sources of Literature
 
Journal articles
Abstracts
Books
Internet
Newspapers/magazines
Interviews
Technical reports
Conference proceedings   etc (Note all references)
Most of these are found in libraries/e-libraries
 
Research Objectives
 
What the research/researcher wishes to
achieve/accomplish
Should be feasible - achievable/practicable
Should be specific
 
Action verbs
 are to be used eg to determine,
identify, verify, calculate, describe, reduce,
identify, compare, measure  .......etc
No ambiguity
May be put into: general and specific
objectives
 
Hypothesis Formulation
 
Is a prediction of the result of the research
problem – provides answers to research question
Translates the problem statement into a precise,
unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes
May be stated as a 
positive or negative
(alternative) statement
Antioxidant micronutrients 
are 
required for good
pregnancy outcome in Nigerian women
A high cholesterol intake is 
not
 
associated
 
with the development (risk) of coronary
 
heart disease
Cigarette smoking 
is
 a 
cause
 of lung cancer
 
 
 
 
 
Research Design
 
Materials and methods
Provides techniques for deriving answers to the
questions or testing the hypothesis
Gives data sources and collection
 Sample size and method of collection
Sample groups (test and control)
 Equipment
Other tools
Lab or field  etc
May be quantitative or qualitative/descriptive
Ethical Considerations/
 Certificate
Time & funds are of essence
 
Sample Size Estimation
 
Sample size should be large enough for
  
 -appropriate analysis
 
 
 
 - desired level of accuracy
  
 - validity of significant tests
  
- confidence level
Different formulae are given/used on different settings
 
In all, a large sample size will yield more accurate
results but may be more costly than a smaller sample
size.
 
Data Collection
 
Sampling techniques
Simple random - eg lucky dip
Systematic random - eg even nos, odd nos etc
Stratified  random
Cluster
Multi-stage
Convenience etc
 
6 Data Analysis
 
Computer programmes
Graphs
Tables
Bar charts & pie charts
Testing the hypothesis
 
PROFESSOR  AGUWA  E.
 
 Interpretation and Report Writing
 
Major findings in the research are outlined and
discussed
May also mention findings from other related
studies
References and comparisons are made to past
knowledge and reports
Inferences are also drawn from the results/data
Major contributions to knowledge are stated
Limitations of the study may also be discussed
 
The findings in relation to the research questions
and/or objectives are summarized as 
conclusion
Recommendations
 are made based on research
results/data and the problem the research
project is addressing
Recommendations should follow logically from
the discussion of the findings
References – ordered sources of vital information
used in the research
Appendix – raw data, standard tables, graphs,
ethical certificate   etc
 
 
 
References
 
There are different reference styles
The Vancouver system
Harvard system
American Psychological Association (APA) system
American Chemical Society (ACS) style
American Mathematical Society (AMS) style etc
Institute of Electrical &Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
system Style may vary from institutions, faculties,
departments etc
 
Journal References
 
If authors’ names are used in the text, followed by year
of publication in brackets (eg. Ejezie, 2011);
(Onyekwelu, 
et al
 2017) – the references should be
listed in alphabetical order by authors’ last names.
Ejezie F.E, Nwagha U.I. Zinc concentrations during
pregnancy and lactation in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research. 2011.
1(1): 69-76.
Books
Ejezie, F.E. & Ikekpeazu, J.E. (2017). Fundamentals of
Metabolism. (2
nd
 edition). Enugu. Ezu Books Ltd. pp
150-163.
Any style used must be consistent
 
Format for Research Report –
Preliminary pages
 
Title or cover page
Certification page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract or summary
Table of contents
List of tables, figures
List of abbreviations
 
Format for Research Report – Main
Report Sequence
 
Introduction
Objectives
Literature review (
Justification
)
Materials/patients and methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Limitations(if any)
Recommendations
References
Appendix
 
Chapters of Research Project Report
 
Chapter 1 – Introduction/objectives
Chapter 2 – Literature review
Chapter3 - Materials & Methods
Chapter 4 - Results
Chapter 5 – Discussion
Chapter 6 - Conclusion & Recommendations
References
Appendix
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Research is a systematic process of seeking new facts and knowledge on a specific topic, involving problem identification, investigation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This course covers key aspects such as research definition, methods, methodology, stages of a project, report format, and more.


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  1. UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES STUDIES Course Title: PGC 601 Research Methodology In Medical, Health & Environmental Sciences By Professor F.E. Ejezie PhD Dept. of Medical Biochemistry Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine fidelis.ejezie@unn.edu.ng; 08034069138

  2. OUTLINE What is Research? Research Methods & Research Methodology Stages of a research project Format for Research project report Chapters of a research project report

  3. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES At the end of the lecture, the students will be able to: Define research and identify the focus of research process Outline the major stages of a research project Develop a research question Select a research method Establish a sample population Gather, analyse and present data Interpret and discuss research results/data Arrange a research project report in chapters

  4. What is Research? Research may be defined as a systematic way to look for new facts, knowledge and information on a specific topic. It is a movement from known to unknown Involves the identification of a problem Investigation of the problem To provide more facts and information Through planned collection, analysis and interpretation of data Research is obtained in ALL disciplines and May also be multi-disciplinary research

  5. Research Methods vs Research Methodology The term "research methods" typically refers to the strategy or plan that a researcher has devised in order to gather data in a particular subject or topic. In the sciences, they include experiments, tests, surveys......etc. Methods may be laboratory, clinical, field work, studio, questionnaire .........etc While "research methodology" "research method," research methodology refers to the systematically arranged steps/stages involved in a research process. Eg. statement of problem, literature review, research method........etc sounds similar to

  6. Why do Research? Research reports may be used in: Academic exercises like award of Degrees, Diplomas, Fellowships, Certificates, Promotion Or Applied to improve quality of human life and develop different spheres of life

  7. 3 Major Stages of Research

  8. Introductory Stage Review of literature Statement of problem Aim of research Specific objectives Hypothesis formulation

  9. Execution Stage Research design preparation Data collection Data analysis and interpretation

  10. Concluding Stage Discussion Conclusion Recommendation Report writing References

  11. Definition of Research Problem Identify the Research problem Select the Research Topic Understand the research problem thoroughly A problem could be identified through: review of literature (vast reading) observation of events discussions/consultations with other researchers Now formulate the research question Eg Does parity have any relationship with obesity in pregnant women? Do micronutrients play any role in pregnancy outcome? What is the influence of parental academic standard on the school performance of children? Research questions could be refined or modified.

  12. Statement of Problem(Justification) Enables researcher to systematically point out what the problem is Why the problem should be solved What is to be achieved It justifies the study A good literature search is very useful in the statement of problem.

  13. Review of Literature This is a very important aspect of project formulation May be continuous throughout the project execution Helps to find available information on the topic Should be extensive and focused Helps to know what others have done or reported

  14. Review of Literature contd Prevents duplication Identifies contested issues Provides facts for the justification of research project Helps in formulation research questions Provides a guide for choice of methods, sample size, & statistical analysis (design) of objectives and

  15. Sources of Literature Journal articles Abstracts Books Internet Newspapers/magazines Interviews Technical reports Conference proceedings etc (Note all references) Most of these are found in libraries/e-libraries

  16. Research Objectives What the research/researcher wishes to achieve/accomplish Should be feasible - achievable/practicable Should be specific Action verbs are to be used eg to determine, identify, verify, calculate, describe, reduce, identify, compare, measure .......etc No ambiguity May be put into: general and specific objectives

  17. Hypothesis Formulation Is a prediction of the result of the research problem provides answers to research question Translates the problem statement into a precise, unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes May be stated as a positive or negative (alternative) statement Antioxidant micronutrients pregnancy outcome in Nigerian women A high cholesterol intake is not associated with the development (risk) of coronary heart disease Cigarette smoking is a cause of lung cancer are required for good

  18. Research Design Materials and methods Provides techniques for deriving answers to the questions or testing the hypothesis Gives data sources and collection Sample size and method of collection Sample groups (test and control) Equipment Other tools Lab or field etc May be quantitative or qualitative/descriptive Ethical Considerations/ Certificate Time & funds are of essence

  19. Sample Size Estimation Sample size should be large enough for -appropriate analysis - desired level of accuracy - validity of significant tests - confidence level Different formulae are given/used on different settings In all, a large sample size will yield more accurate results but may be more costly than a smaller sample size.

  20. Data Collection Sampling techniques Simple random - eg lucky dip Systematic random - eg even nos, odd nos etc Stratified random Cluster Multi-stage Convenience etc

  21. 6 Data Analysis Computer programmes Graphs Tables Bar charts & pie charts Testing the hypothesis PROFESSOR AGUWA E.

  22. Interpretation and Report Writing Major findings in the research are outlined and discussed May also mention findings from other related studies References and comparisons are made to past knowledge and reports Inferences are also drawn from the results/data Major contributions to knowledge are stated Limitations of the study may also be discussed

  23. The findings in relation to the research questions and/or objectives are summarized as conclusion Recommendations are made based on research results/data and the problem the research project is addressing Recommendations should follow logically from the discussion of the findings References ordered sources of vital information used in the research Appendix raw data, standard tables, graphs, ethical certificate etc

  24. References There are different reference styles The Vancouver system Harvard system American Psychological Association (APA) system American Chemical Society (ACS) style American Mathematical Society (AMS) style etc Institute of Electrical &Electronics Engineers (IEEE) system Style may vary from institutions, faculties, departments etc

  25. Journal References If authors names are used in the text, followed by year of publication in brackets (Onyekwelu, et al 2017) the references should be listed in alphabetical order by authors last names. Ejezie F.E, Nwagha U.I. Zinc concentrations during pregnancy and lactation in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research. 2011. 1(1): 69-76. Books Ejezie, F.E. & Ikekpeazu, J.E. (2017). Fundamentals of Metabolism. (2ndedition). Enugu. Ezu Books Ltd. pp 150-163. Any style used must be consistent (eg. Ejezie, 2011);

  26. Format for Research Report Preliminary pages Title or cover page Certification page Dedication Acknowledgement Abstract or summary Table of contents List of tables, figures List of abbreviations

  27. Format for Research Report Main Report Sequence Introduction Objectives Literature review (Justification) Materials/patients and methods Results Discussion Conclusion Limitations(if any) Recommendations References Appendix

  28. Chapters of Research Project Report Chapter 1 Introduction/objectives Chapter 2 Literature review Chapter3 - Materials & Methods Chapter 4 - Results Chapter 5 Discussion Chapter 6 - Conclusion & Recommendations References Appendix

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