Introduction to research lecture was given to basic years medical student on Feb 7th 2013. The lecture was part of UQUMRC activities.

1. Introduction to Research
Omar S. Taibah

2. Contents:
• What is research and what is not?
• Research characteristics.
• Types of research.
• Elements of research proposal.
• Characteristics and qualities of a good researcher.

3. What is research?

4. What is research?
Sensory

5. What is research?
Sensory
Agreement with
others

6. What is research?
Sensory
Agreement with
others
Expert Opinion

7. What is research?
Sensory
Agreement with
others
Expert Opinion
Logic
No guarantee of the truth

8. What is research?
“Something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic
way, thereby increasing their knowledge.” (Saunders,2009)

9. What is research?
“.. The systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in
order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we
are concerned or interested” (Leedy P.D & Ormrod J.E, 2001)

10. What is research?
“seeking through methodical processes to add to one’s own body of
knowledge by the discovery on non-trivial facts and insights” (Howard &
Sharp, 1983)

11. What research is not?
• Research is not gathering of information.
• Research is not transportation of facts.

12. Research characteristics
• Is directed to solve a problem.
• Generates theories, principals or generalization.
• Is based upon experience or evidence.
• Demands accurate observation and description.
• Involves gathering data for a new purpose.
• Is systemic and requires rigorous analysis.
• Requires expertise and patience.
• Strives to be objective and logical.
• It has to be cyclical in nature.

13. Research cycle

14. Research cycle

15. Types of research
Quantitative research
• Based on meanings derived by
numbers.
• Highly specific and precise data
aims at objectivity.
• Large
samples, questionnaire, using
variables.
Qualitative research
• Based on meanings expressed by
words.
• Data are rich and subjective.
• Small
samples, interviews, observation
s.

16. Types of research

17. Element of research proposal
Documents describe the intended research including:
• Problem.
• Hypotheses.
• Delimitations.
• Definitions.
• Assumptions.
• Importance.
• Literature review.

18. Problem
• State the research problem clearly and completely.
• Determine the feasibility of research.

19. Hypotheses
• Hypotheses is a tentative, intelligent guesses as to the solution to the
problem.

20. Delimitations
• All research has limitations so certain work will not be done.
• The work that will not be performed is described as delimitation of
the study.

21. Definitions
• Define each term as it is used in your research.
• It ensures that anybody who reads your research, while they may not
agree with your definitions, know what you are talking about.

22. Assumptions
• The things that the researcher is taking for granted.
• Ex: SPSS.

23. Importance
• Projects need to be justified.
• Why is your research project is valuable?

24. Element of research proposal
Documents describe the intended research including:
• Problem.
• Hypotheses.
• Delimitations.
• Definitions.
• Assumptions.
• Importance.
• Literature review.

25. Characteristics and
qualities
Of a good researcher

26. Intelligence
• Research require critical analysis, logical reasoning and common
sense.
• You don’t have to worry because if you are attending this lecture, it is
likely that you are intelligent enough.

27. Curiosity and initiative
• You may have the required intelligence but if you are not curious and
initiative enough, you will not find a reasonable problem for research
study.

28. Research knowledge
• It will save you from making unnecessary mistakes.
• It will save time, effort and even money.

29. Communication skills
• It is selfish and futile if you don’t share the knowledge.
• You must be understood.

30. Honesty
• Honesty. Honesty. Honesty.

31. Questions?

32. Thank you
@LiverOmar
Omar.Taibah@gmail.com
Liveromar.wordpress.com