Types of Research
and Research
Proposal
Dr. Fadlulai Abdu-Raheem
Department of Paediatrics,
AMSH, Ado-Ekiti
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Outline
• Research • Proposal
• Definition • Introduction
• Classification • Parts
• Based on type of knowledge
• Title
• Based on type of data
• Introduction
• Literature review
• Aims and objectives of the study
• Proposed methodology
• References
• Appendix
• Summary
• Practical Advice and Conclusion
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Definition of Research
• Research is a systematic and organised process of inquiry that aims to
discover, interpret, or expand knowledge in a particular field or
subject.
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Types of Research
• Classification of research depends on the
• type of knowledge
• type of data
• sampling methods, timescale and location of the research
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Based on type of knowledge
• Basic vs. applied research
• Basic research
• Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and principles of biology,
physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
• Examples: cellular signaling pathways function, roles and interactions of
genes in health and disease
• Applied research
• Utilises the knowledge gained from basic research to develop practical
solutions, interventions, or treatments.
• Examples: clinical trials, translational research, epidemiological research
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Based on types of research data
• Primary research vs secondary research
• Primary research
• Analysis of new data collected firsthand from original sources
• Secondary research
• Analysis and synthesis of existing data and information, e.g., systematic
review and meta-analysis
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Based on types of research data
• Qualitative vs quantitative
• Qualitative research
• Focuses on words and meanings
• Asks open-ended question
• Quantitative research
• Focuses on numbers and statistics
• Asks closed-ended question
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Types of research
PRIMARY SECONDARY
QUANTITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
QUALITATIVE QUALITATIVE
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Types of study designs
9
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Research Proposal
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Introduction
• A research proposal is a formal, comprehensive document that
outlines the plan and rationale for a research study.
• It provides a structured framework for researchers to communicate
their research goals, methods, expected outcomes, and potential
impact on healthcare.
• It serves as a roadmap for conducting research, seeking funding, and
gaining ethical approval.
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Recommendations from the National
Postgraduate Medical College
(NPMCN)
• The research proposal
• a. Should address a relevant issue – epidemiologic, clinical,
therapeutic or investigational etc. It should not be a copy of someone
else’s past works. The focus must be clear.
• b. Should have a title reflect the focus of the study. It must be concise,
no more than 22 words if possible.
• c. The facilities for executing the research work should be available
and appropriate.
• d. The study should be executable within the allotted time frame of
the residency programme.
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Proposal format according to NPMCN
• 1. Proposed Title
• 2. Introduction
• 3. Literature review
• 4. Aims and objectives of the study
• 5. Proposed methodology
• 6. References
• 7. Appendices
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Title Page
• First page of the proposal.
• It includes the research project's title and the researcher's name.
• The title should be concise, descriptive, and reflective of the
research's focus.
• For example, “ASSESSMENT OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG
SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ZARIA, NIGERIA USING BODY
MASS INDEX, SKINFOLD METHOD, AND BIOIMPEDANCE ANALYSIS”
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Introduction
• The introduction sets the stage for the research.
• Including the definition of the subject matter, identification of the
research problem and justification
• Definition
• “Overweight and obesity, represent a state in which nutritional intake
significantly exceeds nutritional demands, leading to abnormal or
excessive fat accumulation that may impair health”
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Introduction
• Research Problem
• “While data on the trend of childhood overweight and obesity are
lacking in Kaduna State, evidence emanating from neighbouring
States suggests that childhood obesity may be becoming a public
health challenge. Obesity is already recognised as a serious problem
among adults in Kaduna State - a third of whom are either overweight
or obese…”
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Introduction
• Justification
• “The studies on adolescent overweight and obesity in Zaria and
Kaduna State, as a whole, are few, made use of relatively small sample
sizes, were limited to just one Local Government Area…”
• “The findings from this study may contribute to further raising
awareness about adolescent overweight and obesity among
stakeholders in children's wellbeing…”
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Introduction
• Research Questions
• “What is the prevalence of overweight and obesity among secondary
school adolescents in Zaria, Nigeria using BMI, SFM, and BIA?”
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Literature Review
• The literature review examines existing research and publications
relevant to the proposed study.
• It demonstrates the researcher's understanding of the subject matter
and identifies gaps or areas where new research is needed.
• This section provides context and justifies the research.
• For example, I discussed:
• Overweight and obesity
• BMI, SFM, BIA
• Exhaustive review of previous studies, noting their strengths and weaknesses
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Research Objectives
• Research objectives are specific goals the study aims to achieve.
• They clarify the focus and expected outcomes of the research.
• Objectives should be clear, measurable, and directly related to the
research question.
• For example:
• To determine the prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity among
secondary school adolescents in Zaria, Nigeria, using BMI, PBF SFM, and PBF
BIA
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Methodology
• The research methods section outlines where and how data will be collected
and analysed.
• The choice of methods should align with the research objectives.
• Content include:
• Study location,
• Study design,
• Sample size determination,
• Subject recruitment (sampling technique, characteristics of the subjects and
selection criteria),
• Methods, including anthropometry, laboratory analysis and other techniques,
• Data management and analysis.
• Budget,
• Ethical considerations
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References
• Usually Vancouver in medical sciences
• Made easy using referencing software such as Zotero, Mendeley
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Appendix
• Study questionnaire
• Certificate of ethical clearance
• Consent form
• Other relevant information that do not strictly belong to the text.
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Summary
• In this presentation, research has been defined.
• Also the various types of research have been discussed, contingent
upon the desired knowledge one intends to improve, data
characteristics, sampling methods, research duration, and research
setting.
• Also, a comprehensive overview of medical research proposal,
covering its definition and key components, has been discussed.
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Practical Advice and Conclusion
• Carrying out research can be stressful but it is rewarding.
• While not neglecting your primary studies, volunteer to be involved in
one or two research studies before you graduate.
• Undergraduate studies deals with memorisation of facts mostly.
• Nonetheless, don’t neglect your creative side.
• Open your minds to research possibilities and be keen about
inventing solutions to any problems you can identify in patient care.
• You are not too small to engage in research; be bold and relentless.
• The more you write and create, the more you rise.
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References
• 1. Kapoor MC. Types of studies and research design. Indian J
Anaesth. 2016 Sep;60(9):626–30.
• 2. McCombes S. Scribbr. 2019 [cited 2023 Sep 23]. Types of
Research Designs Compared | Guide & Examples. Available from:
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/types-of-research/
• 3. National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
Faculty of Paediatrics Training Curriculum for Postgraduate Medical
Education for Paediatrics And Child Health; 2022. p. 28–9.
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THANK
YOU
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