Introduction to research Methodology - The University ….pptVIP

Introduction to research Methodology Dr Horace Fletcher Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Why do research? Validate intuition Improve methods Demands of the Job For publication Choose a subject Based on an idea Based on your experience Based on your reading Originality Choose a study design Case report Case series Case controlled study Cross sectional Cohort Retrospective comparison Prospective Comparison A Case report Description of one interesting and unusual case This is anecdotal and may form the basis for further study This may be the only way to report on something very rare Case series Description of several cases in which no attempt is made to answer specific hypotheses or compare results with another group of cases. Cross sectional study A survey of the frequency of disease, risk factors or other characteristics in a defined population at one particular point in time. Cohort study An observational study of a group of people with a specific characteristic or disease who are followed over a period of time to detect change Comparison with control group is allowed Case control study An observational study where characteristics of people with a disease (cases) are compared with selected people without the disease (controls) Controlled Trials An experimental study in which an intervention is applied to one group and the outcome compared with that in a similar group (controls) not receiving the intervention Adequacy of design Best study is a randomised controlled double blind Not possible in all cases May be unethical to treat or withhold treatment Adequacy of study Study sample must be representative large enough size to ensure sufficient power Quality control Accurate measurements Compliance of cases and controls Define Your objectives Try to keep these simple The more variables the more difficult However use the opportunity Get help at this stage Senior colleagues Experienced researchers Literature search Check to see if your idea i