how to select research topic

1. How to select the research topic
and conduct the research
Iva Patel

2. Topic should be
Relevant Specific
Analytical
Original
Feasible

3. Identify the problem
Spell out research question
Decide worth investing by peer review
Define exposure and outcomes
Define the study design
Sharpen the initial question.
Identify the topic.
Draft the objective

4. Sources of research question
• Advisors /committee members/ Colleagues
• Reading literature/Publication
• Library / internet
• Conferences/ Seminars
• Look what has been funded who gets funded and by Whom?
• Draw inspiration from anywhere you can

5. Think of the who, what, when, where and why
questions:
• WHY did you choose the topic?
• WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Do
you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
• WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range
of issues and viewpoints to consider?
• WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific
places affected by the topic?
• WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or an historical issue? Do you want to
compare your topic by time periods?

6. Feasibility
• Can you complete the project in the time available?
• Will the research still be current when you finish?
• Do you have sufficient financial and other resources?
• Will you be able to gain access to data?

7. Framing the objective:
• Frame in specific and epidemiologic terms
• Write in scientific/ epidemiological language
• Make use of no more than one verb for each
• Sort as primary and secondary objectives
• Be clear about the type of question
Descriptive Question ( measuring a quantity)
Analytical/ experimental questions (testing a hypothesis )

8. Objectives for descriptive vs. analytical
studies
• Descriptive: Estimating a quantity
• Use the verb “estimate”
• E.g. Estimate prevalence of physical activity
Analytical: Testing a hypothesis
Use the verb “determine”
E.g. Determine whether exercise reduces blood sugar level

9. Research should be
• Need based
• Solving a problem that existing
• Fill in the gap for something unknown
• Innovative

10. How to conduct the research in our set up
Framing topic
Make a EC
proposal
Start patient
enrollment
Feed the data
in excel
Analysis
Drafting results
Conclusion
Writing
manuscript
Publishing in
Journal

11. Thank you