Introduction to Research
Methodology
What is Research?
“A careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.”
‘A systematized effort to gain knowledge’’
Clifford Woody say, ‘‘research comprises defining
and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis
or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and
evaluating data; and at last carefully testing the
conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis’’.
What is Research?
Research is a combination of
RE= Again and again
SEARCH= To find something
Observations Data Collection
Researcher Phenomena
Conclusion
Again and again
Research Motivation
Solution of a problem
Creative work
Serve the people/society
Gain respect from colleagues
Rehabilitation Research –
importance
To develop Knowledge
Improve patient care
• Help to make good decision about current
practices
• Evaluation of effectiveness of new practices
Usefulness of Intervention
• Effectiveness of an intervention
• Novel approach development
Barriers Rehabilitation Research
Lack of Funds
Lack of Research Supervisors
Lack of Time
Lack of Familiarity with Research
Process
Lack of Statistical Support
Status of Rehabilitation Research
Role of professional association
• Main professional associations in rehab
profession play their part in advancing
research
Research publication vehicles
• Journals, Specialty journals
Research Funding
Theory in Rehabilitation Research
Development of Theory
Experience Logics
Theory
Theory in Rehabilitation Research
Developed theory is tested through
scientific research
Experience Logics
Theory
Research Change
in Practice
Revised Theory Change
in Practice
More Research
Theory in Rehabilitation
Research
According to Portney and Watkins:
• ‘‘Our acceptance of a particular theory will
reflect the present state of knowledge and
must adapt to change in that knowledge as
technology and scientific evidence improve.
Therefore, a theory is only tentative
explanation of phenomena… Many theories
that are accepted today will be discarded
tomorrow’’.
Developing Research Topic
Topic selection is not usually a big
issue
All topics are broad in the beginning
e.g. pain in knee joint
Literature review will give detailed
awareness about a particular topic
After reading literature, a researcher
will be able to identify the topic of his
interest
Developing Research
Question
A research question is a problem which
a researcher wants to solve
Identification of research question is
the first and important step towards
conducting a research
Development of research problem
depends on researcher’s knowledge,
interest, skills, motivation and
creativity
Development of research question is a
time taking process
Developing Research Question
Several sources of research question
• Personal experience
• Practical experience
• Critical literature review
• Previous research
• Existing theories
• Social issues
• Brainstorming etc.
Characteristics of Research
Question
FINER
• Study is Feasible
• Interesting
• Novel
• Ethical
• Question is Relevant
Developing Research
Question – Formats
Declarative Format
• An increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes
mellitus among HCV* infected patients
• There is an interaction of physical activity,
diet, health locus of control and quality of
life among Finnish university students
Developing Research
Question – Formats
Interrogative
• What are the effects of heat in chronic knee
osteoarthritis?
Ethics Considerations
Informed Consent
Design justifies study
Avoidance from injuries
Independent Review
Data confidentiality
Validity
It is the ability to test to differentiate
those who have the disease from
those who donot have disease.
Other name is accuracy
Components
1. Specificity:
It is the ability of test to
differentiate those who donot have
disease ( true negative).
2. Sensitivity:
It is the ability of test to
differentiate those who Have
disease . ( True positive).
Role of research
Advancing knowledge
Sloving problem
EBP
Improve HC
Innovation
Adress global challenges
Enhance education
Economic growth
Fosterng collaboration - empowering
community
Research
BASIC APPLIED
Basic research and applied research are two Applied Research:*
fundamental approaches to scientific inquiry, 1. *Goal:* Solve practical problems or develop
differing in their goals, methods, and new products, processes, or services.
outcomes: 2. *Methodology:* Builds upon existing
*Basic Research:* knowledge, using experimental, simulation, or
1. *Goal:* Advance knowledge and iterative approaches.
understanding of a phenomenon or
3. *Outcomes:*
fundamental principles.
- New products, technologies, or services.
2. *Methodology:* Experimental,
- Improved processes or methods.
observational, or theoretical approaches to
- Solutions to real-world problems.
explore underlying mechanisms.
4. *Characteristics:*
3. *Outcomes:*
- Problem-driven.
- Short-term focus.
- New theories or models. - Emphasizes practical application and
- Fundamental principles or laws.
impact.
- Increased understanding of a To illustrate the difference:
phenomenon. - Basic research: Investigating the properties
4. *Characteristics:* of a new material to understand its behavior.
- Curiosity-driven. - Applied research: Developing a new product
- Long-term focus. using that material to solve a specific industry
- Emphasizes discovery and problem.
understanding.
While basic research lays the
foundation for understanding, applied
research builds upon that foundation
to create practical solutions. Ideally,
both approaches inform and
complement each other, driving
innovation and progress.
Principle pf research
Formulating a problem
Review of literature
Formulating hypothesis and made
assumption
Specificaion of needed data
Selection of method and technique To yield
data.
Analysis
Pretesting design
Collection of data and analysis
Interpretation and reporting.
Internal assessment (SEPTEMBER
2024)
Assignment no 1: (25 marks)
Q: define hypothesis and types?
Q: define sampling and its
techniques?
Q: test used for large and small
sample size?
