Research Methodology

Dr Hiba Mohamed Hassanein

MD DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH SSMB
 Proposal Framework
• The proposal should include the following
sections: title, introduction(background,
statement of problem), objectives,
methodology(study design, population,
sample size, sampling technique, instruments
of data collection, ethical considerations,
methods of data analysis), budget,
organization(work plan and time frame),
refrences and annexes.
• Research is systematic, scientific and
methodological approach to search for basic facts
related to a specific problem aiming to find
solutions based on these facts.
• 1.Selection of a topic
The first step for one intending to do a research
work is the selection of the research topic. It is of
most importance that the topic should be a
priority problem that goes with the national
priority research agenda, which may affect a
greater number of people or a serious
problem being identified by managers or
decision-makers.The originality of the work is
required unless there is a gap in the previous
works.The repetition of works results only in
wastage of resources. It is preferred that the
selected topic to be relevant to the
researcher’s interest and in line with his/her
personal and departmental expertise.
• The feasibilty of the work is a balance
between the complexities of the problem and
the available and expected resources.Other
factors that should be considered in selecting
a topic include the applicability of the
research results, ethical, political and
socio-cultural acceptability of the work.
• 2.Preparing a research proposal
The initial step in designing a study is to write the
research proposal, which is a written document
of the concept, programme and expenses of the
research work. The proposal serves as a basis of
discussion with other experts directly or
peripherally involved with the work such as
academic supervisors, clinicians, statisticians and
administrators. It is needless to mention that the
style of writing a proposal should be clear, logical
and direct in approach.
• Different components of the research
proposal:
• 2.1.Title(title page)
It should be accurate, informative,and free of
abbreviations. It should contain the key words
relevant to the proposal objectives(specific
enough to tell the reader what exactly the
study is about).
• 2.2 introduction
This section(800 words and 6-8 refrences)should
include:
• 2.2.1.statement of the problem
• 2.2.2 brief background information about the
problem
• 2.2.3 rationale
The rationale of a research work indicates the
background and events leading to the need of
the study.
• It is a sales document designed to convince
the readers that the proposed work should be
considered for support. Writing a good study
rationale depends on the preliminary readings
on the topic and indicates the researchers full
understanding and knowledge of the previous
works in the study field. The proposal writer is
advised to use clear facts that support his
ideas. Using too broad or incorrect
information will not be helpful.
• As well writing too lengthy reviews results in
that the reader can not find out the main
message of the work and then less convinced
with its rationale. The rationale should make
clear how the problem is relevant to the
national needs.
• 2.3 objectives
The objective of a certain research
summarizes what to be achieved by the study.
• It should clearly define the question for which a
solution is being sought. The proposal writer
should consider the following points on stating
his research objectives, so as;
• To be clearly related to the statement of the
problem.
• To cover the different aspects of the problem.
• To be clearly phrased in operational terms
specifying exactly what you are going to do,
where and for what purpose.
• To be realistic considering local conditions and
available resources.
• To use specific action verbs such as (to
determine, to identify, to verify, to describe,
to calculate).
• To avoid vague non-action verbs such as (to
study, to appreciate, to understand)
*The research objectives are classified into two
types general and specific
• General objectives: these will define what is
expected to be achieved by the study in general
terms.
• Specific objectives: here the general objective is
broken down into smaller and logically connected
units to address the various aspects of the
problem and the key factors that are assumed to
cause or influence the problem. The specific
objectives of a research work should focus on the
following points:
• To identify the distribution and patterns of a
problem.
• To examine the possible factors that may
influence the problem.
• To indicate how the research results will be used.
In addition to objectives a hypothesis can be
formulated in some studies. A hypothesis is a
suggested explanation for the research problem
that can be tested. It is a prediction for a
relationship between one or more factor and the
problem under study.
• 2.4 Methodology
The methodology of a research proposal
documents how and when the research will be
conducted and how best to analyze and interpret
the results. It is the most detailed part of the
proposal and includes:
• Study design
• Study area
• Study population
• Study instruments:should show the frame of
instruments e.g. questionnaires, focus group
discussions.
• Sampling(technique,frame,size) the number of
subjects/objects should be key to the minimum
necessary for valid results.
• Criteria of selection of subjects(inclusion and
exclusion criteria and stratification if needed).
• Analysis and presentation
• Ethical considerations:An ethical research design
is that which respect the autonomy of the
subjects and cause no harm or minimal harm and
maximal benefit. The researcher should address
the following points:
• Informed consent is needed for any study that
involves human subjects.
• Attaching a copy of the consent form.
• Approval of your institute research board and
the national ethics committee.
*In case of experimental studies the researcher
should prepare a detail protocol to describe
what will occur from the time of the start of
proposal until it is completed in accordance to
the specified objectives.
• The protocol is necessary for clarity of ideas and
matters of feasibilty, resource implications and
ethical considerations.It should be ready before
commencing the practical aspects of the programme.
• 2.5 organization
The researcher has to set clearly the organizational
issue of his research work. The researcher should not
only name the place of his study but also the
available facilities
 Including technical and secretarial help and
approval of the study place administrators.
• It is important to set a time when the study is
to commence, how long to last and whether it
will be in stages(and if so the time schedule for
each part). The researcher should include a list
of the names of all the collaborators in his work
with their positions consents and curriculum
vitae.
• 2.6 budget
• The budget of a research work is essentially a
document of its expenses. The research is
required to outline the running costs together
with the hidden costs such as the use of
already existing laboratories, libraries and
computer facilities and technical and
secretarial help, in addition to the costs of
travel of researchers and subjects.
• A portion of the proposed budget should be
reserved for the unforeseen costs.
• 2.7 refrences
• A numbered list of recent refrences matching
those cited in the text is needed(optimum number
of 6-8).the vancouver style is preferred in
biomedical research.
• 2.8 annexes
• Detailed cv of the applicant
• Cv of the supervisor highlighting the professional
experiences
.
• Cvs of collaborators
• A letter from supervisor to show his or her approval of
the proposal
• A copy of the informed consent of the study subjects
• A letter from the study place administrator to show
his consent
• A copy of the study questionnaire
• A copy of a detailed protocol in experimental studies.