1. Introduction to Research Methodology
All lectures from Workshop -
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Showket Bhat, PhD

2. Key Lecture Concepts
Understanding the process described as “the scientific method (Steps in Research Revised)”
The formulation and role of a hypothesis in a research study
The fundamental concepts of this lecture are outlined here. We will begin by discussing the distinction between two types of epidemiology; descriptive epidemiology and analytical epidemiology. The second one-half of the class will focus to a large extent on the on concept of analytical epidemiology. This lecture begins by highlights what analytical epidemiology is and how it is distinguished from descriptive epidemiology. A fundamental concept in analytical epidemiology is the exposure and disease model. This model will be re-emphasized here.
Next, the lecture turns to specific measures of association that are used in epidemiology. The two major measures are the relative risk and odds ratio measures. The fundamental characteristics of these measures will be distinguished, and an illustration of their computation will be provided.

3. Another possible way for easy understanding of Scientific Methodology

4. Hypothesis Formulation
Derived from one or more observations from:
Literature (review PubMed on topic area)
Natural experiments .
Multi-national comparisons
Descriptive studies (assessment of person, place, and time characteristics)
Creativity

5. FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS contd.
In all Scientific research problems or methods “variables” are involved.
And when you create a hypothesis, you always play or talk about variables
which means in your experiments you will have variables (and constants)
So lets know first know what are variables (and constants)

6. Variables Constant Independent Variable Dependent Variable
A parameter whose numerical value can change in your experiment
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Constant
In your study/experiment the value of
this parameter does not be changed

7. Variable Definition:
An independent variable is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment. Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test their dependent variable.
 A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment. The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter changes the independent variable, the change in the dependent variable is observed and recorded.

8. Hypothetical /Example
You inject insulin in male diabetic patients and the level of glucose
Changes From 150 mg/dl to 98 mg/dc Glucose level ?
Is there a constant?
Is there any variable in you experiment?
If yes
Which is dependent dependent variable
Which is dependent variable? ? ?

9. (Come to )- Formulation of hypothesis
It is a statement/ explanation of the relationship between two or more variables’ (take above given example)
Its formulation should be based on two several things:
And its logical prediction/ or guess based on certain scientific assumptions (and therefore can’t be personal) based on rationale.
It should directly relate to the research problem
A hypothesis should be testable by scientific methods; and variables should me measurable

10. The Functions of a Hypothesis
Provides a study with a focus (means you will be lost /loose track if you do not provide a hypothesis)
Guides to specific aspects of a research problem to investigate
Guides to what type of data to collect
Adds clarity and specificity to the research
problem
Establishes the basis for testing statistical
significance

11. Two Assignments for Evaluation
Imagine a situation where you are handling a laboratory experiment
that has two constants, and also at least two variables .
Point out in the end which parameter is constant , dependent variable and
independent variable.
Recently it has been seen that in KSA there has been an increase
in the number of cancer cases. Forward /provide a hypothesis for this phenomenon that
has been observed. Also point out the variable in ur hypothesis.
NOTE
DO NOT COPY FROM INTERNET. USE UR OWN BRAIN AND DISCUSS WITH FRIENDS/me
YOUR TEACHER WILL SURELY KNOW IF ITS COPIED FROM INTERNET.
DO not do any type of cheating, just keep thinking.
Do not make example like in above slide. It should be very different.
Submit in 10 days.
Late students will be given a big ZERO. Cheaters will also get a big ZERO