1. The Anatomy of Research Presented by: Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi, PhD September 2013 1

2. Objectives: Outline tangible element of a research question Outline tangible element of a research question Identify decisions to be made for selection of research design Identify decisions to be made for selection of research design Describe the purpose of literature review Describe the purpose of literature review Identify decisions to be made in choosing the study subjects Identify decisions to be made in choosing the study subjects Identify decisions to be made in choosing study variables Identify decisions to be made in choosing study variables 2

3. The Research Process The steps of any population health research project are: 3

4. Identifying a study topic is often the most challenging part of a research project. Each of the possible study topics has its own set of virtues and shortcomings. What Is Research made of Study Question! ? 4

5. Brainstorming Review of previous scholarly work Review of previous scholarly work Meeting experts Meeting experts Attending conferences Attending conferences Participating in meetings Participating in meetings Building relationship with an expert/mentor Building relationship with an expert/mentor 5

6. Brainstorming Questions 6

7. Key Words: Example Initial brainstorming about aging OsteoporosisFallsBedsores Physical therapyCalcium RehabilitationPrevention Home safetyBone density 7

8. Topic Mapping Begin by creating a long list of possible study topics: Begin by creating a long list of possible study topics: –Jot down areas of personal interest –Ask friends / colleagues for ideas –Skim abstracts, journals, and books for inspiration What topics emerge as a repeating theme? What topics emerge as a repeating theme? What might be enjoyable to explore? What might be enjoyable to explore? 8

9. MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 9

10. Exposure, Disease, Population Most topics in population health research can be expressed in terms of: [exposure] and [disease/outcome] in [population] 10

11. Examples of Types of Exposures 11

12. Examples of Types of Diseases 12

13. Examples of Types of Populations 13

14. “EDP” Study Questions Are exercise habits [exposure] related to the risk of bone fractures [disease] in adults with diabetes [population]? Are exercise habits [exposure] related to the risk of bone fractures [disease] in adults with diabetes [population]? Is reproductive history [exposure] related to the risk of stroke [disease] among women living in rural Ontario [population]? Is reproductive history [exposure] related to the risk of stroke [disease] among women living in rural Ontario [population]? Is household wealth [exposure] related to the risk of hospitalization for asthma [disease] in Australian children younger than 5 years old [population]? Is household wealth [exposure] related to the risk of hospitalization for asthma [disease] in Australian children younger than 5 years old [population]? 14

15. FINER Criteria for a Research Question F = Feasible F = Feasible –Adequate # of subjects, –Adequate technical expertise, –Affordable in time, money, –Manageable in scope. –It helps to know your limits early on to avoid wasting time and effort over something that is not going to work. 15

16. FINER Criteria for a Research Question (cont.) I = Interesting I = Interesting –Answering the question is interesting, not because, you have to do it. –Confirm the interest of the question with your mentor before investing energy and time in development of research protocol 16

17. FINER Criteria for a Research Question (cont.) N = Novel N = Novel –It contributes to new information by: confirming or refuting previous findings, confirming or refuting previous findings, extends previous findings, extends previous findings, provides new findings provides new findings –you should be able to answer the “so what” question 17

18. FINER Criteria for a Research Question (cont.) E = Ethical E = Ethical –A good research question should be ethical –It should not posses unacceptable physical risk to the subjects or invasion of their privacy –If so you need to find some other ways to answer your research question 18

19. FINER Criteria for a Research Question (cont.) R = Relevant R = Relevant Is the outcome of the study: – relevant to scientific knowledge, –clinical management, –health policy, and/or –guides future research direction 19

20. Problems & Solutions The RQ is not FINER 1. Not feasible (too broad) Not enough subject available Not enough subject available Method beyond your skills Method beyond your skills Too expensive Too expensive 2. Not interesting, novel, or relevant Consult with your mentor Consult with your mentor Modify RQ Modify RQ 20

21. Problems & Solutions 3. Uncertain ethical suitabilityUncertain ethical suitability Consult with IRBConsult with IRB Modify RPModify RP 4. The study plan is vague Write the outline of the RP as soon as you canWrite the outline of the RP as soon as you can 21

22. Exercise What is the relationship between depression and health? What is the relationship between depression and health? Write in a single sentence a predictor, outcome, and population. Write in a single sentence a predictor, outcome, and population. Discuss whether it meets the FINER criteria Discuss whether it meets the FINER criteria Rewrite the sentence in a form that overcomes any problems in meeting criteria. Rewrite the sentence in a form that overcomes any problems in meeting criteria. 22

23. Points to Consider Is the question important and relevant? Is the question important and relevant? Can the question be answered the way it is written? Can the question be answered the way it is written? To answer the question what needs to be defined? To answer the question what needs to be defined? Is the answer to the question population sensitive? Is the answer to the question population sensitive? 23

24. Possible Answer Among college freshmen, does depression assessed by the CES-D predict health status measured by the Rand General Health Questionnaire four years later? Among college freshmen, does depression assessed by the CES-D predict health status measured by the Rand General Health Questionnaire four years later? 24