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What is Research ?
Research can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method.
RESEARCH is
In Scientific terms
systematic collection
Steps in Research
1. Selecting a Research Topic
More Examples:
To determine frequency of anemia in pregnant women visiting tertiary care facilities of Sindh. To determine association between maternal smoking and low birth weight. To compare the effectiveness of dressing A versus dressing B in Patients with infected wounds of the foot.
Introduction
Literature search defines an attempt by the researcher to develop a ready source of reference material for the study.
It should preferably be undertaken before developing the research project proposal.
help
during
Non-Internet Searches
Internet-Based Searches
Synopsis
It must give a comprehensible account (with all relevant details) of the research project proposed to be undertaken by the candidate. A synopsis should not be more than 1000 words or about 4 A-4 size pages.
Structure of a Synopsis
It must contain the following components: a. Title b. Introduction c. Objectives
d. Operational Definition
e. Hypothesis( if required) f. Material & Methods (Methodology)
a. Place of study, Duration of study, Sample size, Inclusion and exclusion criteria, study design, Data collection tools, data analysis,
g. References
a. Title
Should reflect the objectives of the study. It must be written after the whole synopsis has been written so that it is a true representative of the plan (i.e. the synopsis). It should give the topic selected for the study in the minimum possible words. General recommendation is not to exceed 150 letters. Please do not use abbreviations in the title (with exceptions of really standard abbreviations). The topic should reflect the purpose of the study.
b. Introduction
Should contain brief background of the selected topic. It must identify the importance of study, its relevance and applicability of results. It must clearly state the purpose of the study.
Describe (with references) the current status of research conducted (nationally, internationally) on the topic & the results obtained. State why you have chosen to undertake research work on this topic in your setting.
Describe clearly one or two main objectives, that you will undertake to do in your study, so that your aim can be achieved. Objectives are statements of mentions. They inform the reader clearly what the researcher plans to do in his/her work. The must identify the variables involved in research.
Objective should start with an action verb and be sufficiently specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound (SMART).
d. Operational Definitions
Definitions of operational terms used under the conditions of your research study. Examples:
Define anaemia in a study on anaemic patients: < 10 g/dl or < 12 g/dl. Define SBP in a study on hypertensive patients: > 140 mm Hg or age adjusted values.
e. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a statement showing expected relation b/w 2 variables. Hypothesis is needed in the following study designs:
All interventional studies Cohort Case control Comparative cross sectional.
Setting :
Name and place where the research work is to be conducted.
Duration of Study:
How long will the study take with dates.
Sample Size:
How many patients will be included. If there are groups how many per group?
Sampling Technique:
Type of sampling technique employed.
g. References
References: Minimum of 5 References cited in Vancouver style