Introduction to epidemiological methods in research (methodology) MD 2

Reminder ! What is research ? What are the steps involved in conducting research ?

The steps in conducting a research study Introduction to the research topic Problem Statement and Justification of the Research Project Literature Review Hypothesis and Objectives of the Study Research Methodology

Steps in conducting a research study cont’d Design- Data Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data Expected Results and Output of the Study Bibliography Appendix , e.g. Tables, Graphs, Questionnaires etc. Financial Budget and Timetable

REESEARCH METHODOLOGY Definition is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of …. A system of broad principles or rules from which specific methods or procedures may be derived to interpret or solve different ... is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. ... It is thus important to avoid using methodology as a synonym for method or body of methods

Research Methodology The materials and methods/population and methods To be employed in order to get answers to research questions. Supposed to give reply to our hypothesis ; whether true or not. What data do we need in order to meet objectives? We know where to go/ what to achieve(objectives) HOW do we reach that destination. Outline the process as to how, what, and where the data is to be collected

Research Methodology cont’d What path shall we take and what means to reach destination The methodology includes: Study area- a description of WHERE the study will take place. Study design- scientific/epidemiologic methods to be employed to meet the objectives Population: target population, and study population

Research Methodology cont’d Selection of study population… the sample: Sample size, and sampling procedure Procedure for data collection: Data collection techniques, and instruments Description of expected results

Research Methodology cont’d So, methodology is the research strategy that is being followed closely to achieve objectives Describes all the needed materials plus the methods (‘route’) needed It shows what type of study it is and who/where it will be conducted- The setting: hospital, field, laboratory etc.

Research Methodology cont’d The steps 1. Study area: Description of study area, geographically to focus on basic administrative area, or particular hospital/health facility (catchment area/ service area). Description of sites, geography, climate, seasons, if applicable, and the human population in the area, activities of population, and brief socio-cultural background

Research Methodology cont’d 2. Study design: Description of the study type to be employed in the study. Focus is made on the objectives to note what will actually be measured in order to identify the epidemiological design needed

Research Methodology cont’d 3. Target population and study population Describe the exact group of persons to be studied in order to get answers to the problem at hand Study population means exact study units 4. Sampling and Sample size Process of selecting a number of study units/actual research participants from a defined study population. Not all people defined/ targeted will actually be studied but only a few representatives who are objectively selected

Determine exact sample size The commonly used formula for sample size calculations in quantitative studies is :- n= z2p (1-p)/e2 Where: n= expected minimum sample size Z= the standard normal deviation value/deviate of normal distribution = 1.96 at 95% CI P= estimated proportion/prevalence of the population affected by the problem being investigated/studied. e= margin error on probability value/maximum allowable error ( usually 5%)

Research Methodology cont’d Data collection. Description of Data collection techniques and research/data collection instruments. Data management Description of expected results

Research Methodology cont’d Perceived constraints and limitations(if any)

Ethical considerations Researcher describes all issues related to Ethics in Health research, plus any perceived limitations Ethical issues to be tackled by researcher are to: Ensure the proposal is finalized with the agreement of supervisor Obtain ethics clearance from IRB via the Director, PGSRI(assurance of scientific and ethics matters) Obtain letters from the institution to local authorities expected to sanction research in areas of jurisdiction Prepare copies of consent forms

Research Methodology cont’d Work plan Description of how and when to achieve research outputs Description of tasks to be performed, by whom and the time span of doing them

Research Methodology cont’d Budget and Justification Researcher describes what is the cost of the project; in terms of money, materials and human resources