Research Methodology Abdulelah Nuqali Intern

What it’s made ofHow it works

What it’s made of

The structure of a research project is set out in its protocol Which is helping the investigator to organize her/his research in a logical, focused, and efficient way

Research questions Background and significance Design Subjects Variables Statistical issues

Should people eat more fish?

How often do Saudi people eat fish?

Does eating fish lower the risk of cardiovascular disease?

Do fish oil supplements have the same effects on cardiovascular disease as dietary fish?

FINER interesting novelethical relevant feasible

New Questions Arise Results Interpreted Data Collected Question Identified Hypotheses Formed Research Plan Closed-loop conceptualization of the research process (Drew, Hardman, and Hart, 1996)

Analytical study of multiple patients “ rare” phenomenon occurring multiple times

Analytical study of one patient Detailed profile of a “ rare” presentation or unusual side effect of drug

A descriptive survey One to one questionnaire, , telephone, online

Example: You interview subjects about current and past history of fish intake and correlates results with history of CHD

Advantages of a cross sectional study Cheap Fast Simple

Disadvantages of a cross sectional study Failing to take time Biases: Selection bias Information bias Confounding bias

Note: Exposure = Risk Factor Outcome = Disease

Example: You examine a group of patients with CHD and compares them with a group who did not have CHD (the controls), asking about past fish intake CHD No CHD No CHD High fish intake Low fish intake

Example: The investigator measures fish intake at baseline and periodically examines subjects at follow-up visits to see if those who eat more fish have fewer coronary heart disease (CHD) events CHD No CHD No CHD High fish intake Low fish intake

Example: You randomly assign subjects to receive fish oil supplements or placebo, then follows both treatment groups for several years to observe the incidence of CHD

Randomized designs Methods of randomization: – Several choices, from “flipping a coin” to stratified randomization Blinding/masking: – Participant, study investigator (and anybody else involved in follow-up) – Ideally, double-blinded

How it works

Internal validity External validity (also called generalizability)

Can I do research? Yes How? Assemble a research team Ask a general question Do a literature search Ask a good research question Find a mentor Conduct your research project

Thank abdulelahn.blogspot.com