On doing researchDr.Praveenlal Kuttichira,

Professor of Psychiatry& Principal, Govt.Medical College,Ernakulam.

Research

Attempt to find out / discover facts in a systematic and Scientific manner

The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Oxford dictionary

Research Report is report of original work

It INSPIRE others

› What was known about the topic previously› What the researcher did towards ‘moving

forward’.› What do the results mean› Future implications

TO BE A RESEARCHER

Need a question to do research Need a method to do research Need know how it can be

communicated to others.

to question is innate tendency

My teacher says so The textbooks say so Everyone practice like that My experience says so. net says so. The journals say so The Cochrane say so

There is no shortage of research questions

Even when we succeed in answering a question, we remain surrounded by many other related questions

 

Established researchers: ---- own prior studies

New researcher:

master the published literature in

a specific area of study first hand experience Find a Mentor

Be alert to new ideas

Journal clubs and Scientific meetings Careful observation of patients Teaching (during preparation,

discussion) Keep the imagination roaming

Anjaneya’s Approach

Arjuna’s Asthra

Feasibility:

practical limits and problems of studying

› Adequate number of subjects, Technical expertise, Cost in time and Money ,Scope etc.

Feasibility:

practical limits and problems of studying

› Adequate number of subjects, Technical expertise, Cost in time and Money, Scope etc.

Interesting:

may have many motivations

financial support, building career, getting at the truth of the matter, for the joy of ‘eureka’ …

Novel:

A Good research question is novel› Not the one that is already established. › But ,need not be totally original› applicability to a different group of subjects› improved measurement techniques› A confirmatory study to avoid weaknesses

of previous studies

Ethical:

• ethically acceptable• Informed consent , Community

acceptance & agreement• Risk acceptable in relation to the likely

benefits• Non-exploitation• Privacy and Confidentiality• Clearance by the Institutional Ethics

Committee

Relevant

› A good way to decide about relevance is to imagine

the various outcomes that are likely to occur

possibility of each -scientific knowledge -influence clinical management -health policy -guide further research

Testing the research questions with FINER

Study of Catamaran Catastrophe

PICOT approach

Population of Interest Intervention or Issue of interest Comparator of interest Outcome Time frame

Study of Catamaran Catastrophe

What is the Incidence of spinal fractures among the fishermen of Ponnani while fishing in the sea on Catamaran during the monsoon, before and after the ban on trolling ?

Communication

understandable and agreeable to the reader/listener

Can learn methods of effective communication

Can have team member good in writing Can have a secretary specialised in

scientific writing Can have reference manager/endnote

etc

IMRAD

Introduction Methodology Results And Discussions

Title

Offers Insight to the Study Reflects the Nature of Study, on What

it was carried out & in Which Type of Setting

Introduction

Why the Theme is Important Background Information about the Study

Lacunae existing in Knowledge Research Question Study Hypothesis Aim & Objectives

Rationale for the Study

Review of Literature

Relevant Existing Evidence

What Other Methods Used to Solve it

To Justify the Study Organize Logically & Chronologically Should be Up to Date & Properly

Referenced

Materials & Methods

Resources Used, Study Setting, Study Design

How Conducted – Definitions (Cases & Controls) Description of Study Variables. Criteria- Inclusion & Exclusion,

Sampling, Study Period Sample Size Calculation with

Justification

Materials & Methods

Experimental Procedures, Outcome Measures & Instruments or Tools

How Data Collected & Recorded Mention Statistical Tests used for

Analysis Cite References Limitations & Ethical Issues

Materials & Methods

Experimental Procedures, Outcome Measures & Instruments or Tools

How Data Collected & Recorded Mention Statistical Tests used for

Analysis Cite References Limitations & Ethical Issues

Discussion

Summarizes Data to Make it Easier for Understanding

Already Known is Linked to Study

Findings – Both Positive & Negative

What do the Results Mean? How do the Findings Fit into the Existing

Knowledge? Are they Consistent with Current Theories?

Do They Give New Insights?

Discussion Don’t Simply Repeat Introduction Discuss findings According to their

Importance

Substantiate Arguments Compare with Previous Studies Brief Critique of the study

Strengths & Weaknesses

Rules for writing clearly

Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech

which you are used to seeing in print [a cliché]

Never use a long word where a short one will do

Overall style

clarity of writing originates from clarity of thought

think what you want to say then write it simply be specific be concrete, not abstract say what you mean and mean what

you say

Why clarity matters

“How many people do you employ, broken

down by sex?”

“None. Our problem here is booze”.( UK Fire force )

Paragraphs These help to order thoughts

One topic per paragraph

Transitions relate one idea to the next

First sentence: introduce topic; could stand alone

Keep paragraphs short, containing 2-6 sentences

Paragraphs These help to order thoughts

One topic per paragraph

Transitions relate one idea to the next

First sentence: introduce topic; could stand alone

Keep paragraphs short, containing 2-6 sentences

Summary & Conclusions

Briefly Summarize the Main Findings & New Knowledge got from the Study

Describe How the Results met the Hypothesis State Practical Implications

In Scientific Investigations, More Questions are Produced than Answers

Do not Go Beyond Your Data

Structure and flow for any article

Does it have a proper beginning and a conclusion?

Does it flow logically from one part to the next?

Does it convey the work’s› purpose› conclusions› meaning?

Does it conform to the style of the publisher? Does it make easy reading?

…my boss

…thank you.