LEC 1 Introduction To Research & Scientific Methods

Question 1

Research definition (2)

Answer 1

• a systematic investigation to designed to develop or contribute to the general knowledge
• includes research development, testing & evaluation

Question 2

Objective of research (1)

Answer 2

To extend the knowledge of physical, biological & social world beyond what is already known

Question 3

Objective of research (1)

Answer 3

To extend the knowledge of physical, biological & social world beyond what is already known

Question 4

Scientific Method definition (2)

Answer 4

• systematic process used in research

- hypothetico-deductive method

Question 5

Research process steps (8)

Answer 5

1. Formulate a research question
2. Construct a research design
3. Construct an instrument for data collection
4. Select a sample
5. Write research proposal
6. Collect data
7. Process data
8. Write research report

Decide what to do : 1
Planning on how to do : 2-5
Conduct of study : 6-8

Question 6

Why is it important to develop an appropriate study design? (3)

Answer 6

• study design determines how the data and results are obtained
• determine the strength, validity & reliability of the results obtained from the study
• faulty design leads to misleading findings & misinterpretation of results

Question 7

2 types of validity

Answer 7

1. Internal validity

2. External validity

Question 8

Internal validity definition

Answer 8

• the degree to which the observed findings leads to the correct phenomenon taking place in the study population

Question 9

External validity definition

Answer 9

• the degree to which the observed finding leads to the correct phenomenon taking place in the universe/general population

Question 10

2 types of errors

Answer 10

1. Random error

2. Systematic error

Question 11

Random error defintion

Answer 11

• degree to which a variable has nearly the same value when measured several times
• affects precision

Question 12

Systematic error definition (3)

Answer 12

• degree to which a variable actually represents the true value in the population
• affects accuracy
• due to the presence of bias in the study design

Question 13

Research instrument definition (2)

Answer 13

• a tool designed to collect data of the study

- if newly developed, need to do validation / pre-testing of the research instrument

Question 14

Research proposal

Answer 14

• includes the details of the operational plan for obtaining answers to the research questions
• how, what, why

Question 15

Types of data collected (2)

Answer 15

1. Primary data

2. Secondary data

Question 16

Primary data

Answer 16

• collected by investigator specifically for the purpose of answering his research question

Question 17

Secondary data

Answer 17

• collected for other purposes but may be applicable to answering another research question

Question 18

Types of data processing (2)

Answer 18

1. Quantitative
   - statistical analysis
   - graphical & tabular presentation
2. Qualitative
   - thematic content analysis
   - verbatim quotes

Question 19

Types of data processing (2)

Answer 19

1. Quantitative
   - statistical analysis
   - graphical & tabular presentation
2. Qualitative
   - thematic content analysis
   - verbatim quotes

Question 20

General format of a research report (10)

Answer 20

1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Methods
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
8. Acknowledgements
9. References
10. Appendix (optional)

Question 21

Structure of abstract (4)

Answer 21

1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Conclusion

Question 22

Important values for the responsible conduct of research (4)

Answer 22

HEAO

Honesty
Efficiency
Accuracy
Objectivity

Question 23

Honesty

Answer 23

• conveying information truthfully

Question 24

Efficiency (2)

Answer 24

• using resources wisely

- avoiding wastes

Question 25

Accuracy

Answer 25

• reports finding precisely

Question 26

Objectivity

Answer 26

• avoid improper bias

Question 27

Body of an article (4)

Answer 27

1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussion