Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byJoan Higgins Modified over 9 years ago
1
Research Methods
2
Research Projects Background Literature Aims and Hypothesis Methods: Study Design Data collection approach Sample Size and Power Reliability and Validity Analysis strategy
3
Research Project Results Discussion and Conclusion Limitations Acknowledgements Disseminating your findings and getting published
4
Plan for the day Results presentation and writing up Discussion Conclusion Getting published
5
RESULTS Summary of your findings Consistent with your research method Use appropriate display of information and analysis of data Relevant statistical techniques where appropriate
6
RESULTS: How to present? How will you display your findings? What are the options?
7
RESULTS Aim – to present your information in a way that can be easily understood, yet includes relevant detail
8
Data analysis Data cleaning: analyse mistakes/ illegible responses/ inconsistent results/ implausible numbers Clarify which are accurate respondants May need to discard some data or go back to check data
9
Data analysis Missing data- identify if any missing data? Errors or omission
10
Data analysis Re-coding To group variables in a form in which you wish to analyse them e.g. from continuous data to grouped sets Eg age to age groups Should spot-check for errors Repeated by independent person – compare and check results
11
Data analysis: Browsing data Central tendancy or characteristic of data Mean- arithmetic average Median- middle value Mode- most common
12
Browsing Data Variation in the data Range of values: Min – Max Standard Deviation – the average distance of individual observation from the group mean
13
Data analysis Differences within the data Difference between means (t-test) Differences between proportion (chi- squared)
14
Data analysis Relationships within the data Relationship between 1 variable and another using statistical method Correlation Regression
15
Data analysis Data transformations Transform variables: Re-code Counts Scaling Conditional transformations (transform 1 variable depending on another)
16
Types of data analysis Univariate analysis: single variables Time series analysis- measuring changes over time Bivariate analysis: pairs of data Multivariate analysis: >2 variables Cost effectiveness analysis Use effectiveness analysis
17
Comparing variables Comparing variables – distribution between 2/+ groups Testing difference between means (t-test) Comparing proportions: (Chi Squared) Comparing % in same sample at 2 different points of time (McNemar test) Comparing > 2 means (ANOVA- analysis of variance)
18
Results Section Describe basic data – first things first! Text Table Graph Use of number, n and % Decimal points: general to 2 decimal 1.25 E.g. Number of patients included, excluded Demographic data
19
Results Describing data Range Mean/Mode/Median Any basic trends Confidence Intervals and p-values Progress into more detailed statistical analysis as appropriate
20
Results Ensure use of tables/ graphs/charts is appropriate and to scale Title, label and provide a key if needed Pie charts- percentages Bar charts- comparison of different data Line graphs- change over time Histograms- continuous charted data
21
Results: tables Should be concise Make sure it makes sense to read on its own May need more than one table if it is becoming large and unwieldy If complex data, a graph may be better
22
Presenting results Takes more thought and practice than you might imagine Exercise: Plan how you would present the findings of your research – what graphs, tables etc. would you use and why? Draft some examples – dummy tables
23
Conclusion & Dicussion Summarise your findings – key points Relate findings back to the literature base and your own aims and objectives Discuss benefits of your study Discuss limitations
24
Getting published! A significant achievement – personally, for cv and career But cannot be taken for granted Consider the requirements of journals and their reviewers
25
Preparing a publication Why do you want it to be published? What does your research have to contribute to the field? Is it timely, relevant and of interest? Consider WHO is audience? WHICH JOURNAL to publish in?
26
Preparing a publication Consider which Journal might be willing to publish your research Area of interest Audience Type of research/ article Impact factor
27
Journal Style Look at the Journal Guidance for Authors- what is the style required for writing up Spacing Font Margin Size Numbering Headings Number and style of tables, graphs etc.
28
Journal Style Abstract style Authorship Conflicts of interest Word Count, Which type of paper your research meets – case report/ review/ original research/ commentary etc..
29
Journal Style Referencing Number of references Reference style – Vancouver, Harvard etc.
30
Writing up for publication What is key finding? Structure article in way that will take the reader with you and engage them with the relevance of your findings
31
Writing up for publication Write a draft Revise Revise again! Don’t get too disheartened.. Get feedback from others..
32
Writing up for publication Submit article – online log-in often May need to suggest reviewers Ensure you get submission deadline and provide correct contact details Agree who is lead author on paper and corresponding author Wait for feedback… and keep waiting.. Until hopefully you get a positive result!!
33
BARRIERS TO RESEARCH INTERNAL - Previous experiences (good/bad) - Knowledge, skills and confidence - Own beliefs about research value - Prioritisation of time for research In 5 minutes jot down your positive and negative internal influences on your research
34
BARRIERS TO RESEARCH EXTERNAL Other commitments- practical/ work/ personal Technology issues Research supervision Support from others Spend 5 minutes identifying external barriers to your research
35
Overcoming Barriers Spend 5-10 minutes identifying an action plan for your research protocol- think about targets being: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.