Showket Bhat, PhD

Introduction to Research Methodology

Key Lecture Concepts• Understanding the process described as

“the scientific method (Steps in Research Revised)”

• The formulation and role of a hypothesis in a research study

Another possible way for easy understanding of Scientific Methodology

Hypothesis Formulation• Derived from one or more observations

from:

–Literature (review PubMed on topic area)–Natural experiments .–Multi-national comparisons–Descriptive studies (assessment of person,

place, and time characteristics)–Creativity

FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS contd.

In all Scientific research problems or methods “variables” are involved.

• And when you create a hypothesis, you always play or talk about variables• which means in your experiments you will have variables (and constants)

So lets know first know what are variables (and constants)

Variables

A parameter whose numerical value can change in your experiment

Dependent Variable Independent Variable

Constant

In your study/experiment the value of this parameter does not be changed

A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment.

The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the experimenter changes the independent variable, the change in the dependent variable is observed and recorded.

An independent variable is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment.

Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test their dependent variable.

Variable Definition:

Hypothetical /Example

You inject insulin in male diabetic patients and the level of glucose Changes From 150 mg/dl to 98 mg/dc Glucose level

• Is there a constant? • Is there any variable in you experiment? If yes

Which is dependent variable?

Which is dependent dependent variable

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(Come to -) Formulation of hypothesis

• It is a statement/ explanation of the relationship between two or more variables’ (take above given example)

• Its formulation should be based on two several things:

1. And its logical prediction/ or guess based on certain scientific assumptions (and therefore can’t be personal) based on rationale.

2. It should directly relate to the research problem3. A hypothesis should be testable by scientific methods;

and variables should me measurable

The Functions of a Hypothesis

• Provides a study with a focus (means you will be lost /loose track if you do not provide a hypothesis)

• Guides to specific aspects of a research problem to investigate

• Guides to what type of data to collect• Adds clarity and specificity to the research problem• Establishes the basis for testing statistical significance

Two Assignments for Evaluation

1) Imagine a situation where you are handling a laboratory experimentthat has two constants, and also at least two variables . Point out in the end which parameter is constant , dependent variable and independent variable.

2) Recently it has been seen that in KSA there has been an increase in the number of cancer cases. Forward /provide a hypothesis for this phenomenon that has been observed. Also point out the variable in ur hypothesis.

DO NOT COPY FROM INTERNET. USE UR OWN BRAIN AND DISCUSS WITH FRIENDS/me YOUR TEACHER WILL SURELY KNOW IF ITS COPIED FROM INTERNET. DO not do any type of cheating, just keep thinking. Do not make example like in above slide. It should be very different. Submit in 10 days. Late students will be given a big ZERO. Cheaters will also get a big ZERO

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