MATH 101

Elementary Statistics for the Heal Sciences

Lecture 2
Research Process

LIZA T. BILLONES, MSc

Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics

College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines Manila
Research Process

Research is a systematic search for

information which utilizes the scientific
method in solving problems.
Research Process
Steps in the Research Process:

1.  Identification of the Research Problem

Selection of the topic or problem

The problem is usually brought about by
situational analysis, i.e., needs of
community.
It is also affected by the significance of
the study.
Research Process
Review of related literature
To know the existing work that has
been done on the topic.
To help in the formulation or refinement
of the methodology.
To help in the computation of the needed
sample size.
Research Process
Delimitation of the research problem
Delimit the topic to particular aspects of
that topic that can be realistically
studied during the study period of
the research.
That is, feasible within the set study
period.
Research Process
2. Formulation of Objectives

These are the questions which the research

must answer at the end of the study.

May be divided into the general objective and

specific objectives.
Research Process
For example, in a study involving diarrhea,
the general objective may be written as:

“To determine the prevalence of diarrhea

among Filipino infants”
Research Process
The specific objective can then be
expressed as:

“To compare the prevalence rate of diarrhea

between purely breastfed, purely bottle-fed
and mixed breast and bottle-fed Filipino
infants”
Research Process
Specific objectives should be stated as to
support the general objective. They should be:

a.  Stated clearly and specifically

b.  Should be measurable
c.  Should not involve value judgment
Research Process
Consider the following specific objectives:

1.  To determine the effect of

supplementation among pregnant women
2.  To study the effectiveness of herbal drugs
3.  To prove that Tide is better than Surf for
laundry using washing machines
Research Process
3. Definition of Basic Concepts and Variables

Classification of variables
Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Discrete vs. Continuous
Dependent vs. Independent
Control vs. Confounding
Research Process
Dependent variable
- refers to the outcome, response or output
Independent variable
- is presumed to affect the dependent variable
(exposure variable or factor)
Control/confounder variables
- may bring about effect in the dependent and/
or independent variables
- not of primary interest to the investigator
Research Process

Exposure Outcome
variable variable

Confounding
variable
Research Process
Control of confounders

1.  Matching in the study design

2.  Restriction in selecting the study
population (e.g. all males only)
3.  Adjustment in the analysis (e.g. stratified
analysis or statistical modeling)
Research Process
Example:

No. of hours studying Grade in Math 101

per day in Math 101 (dependent)
(independent)
Research Process
Clarifying the variables
a. Definition of the variable
b. Specifying the scale of measurement
Research Process
Operational definition
- how the variable is used in the study
Consists of 3 parts:
1. term to be defined
2. the genera or general class to which
the term belongs to, and
3. the differentia or the qualifier which
will distinguish the term from the
other members of the general
class
Research Process
Example:

Term to be defined: Genius

General class: Individuals with high mental ability
Differentia: With an IQ ≥ 140

Hence, genius is defined as an individual with

high mental ability having an IQ of at least 140.
Research Process

With regard to the scale of measurement,

different studies may have different
definition of the same variable, hence
they may also have different scales of
measurement.
Research Process
4. Construction of the research plan
It is a detailed plan which will guide the
researcher on all the steps s/he will do
from identification of the topic up to data
gathering and data analysis
Research Process
5. Implementation of the research plan
This includes data collection, data processing,
and data analysis.
6. Data interpretation and conclusion
Simply, the answers to the objectives

7. Reporting of the study

Exercise!
1.  Cite possible sources of research problems
in a research study.
2.  Consider one research problem. (Specify:
______________.) What are the factors
that must be considered before an
investigator studies this particular research
problem.
3.  For each of the following specific
objectives listed:
Exercise!
3.1 Indicate whether or not you agree with
how each objective is phrased.
3.2. If not, indicate your reason(s) why and
rephrase in such a way that it will be
clearer and specific.
3.3. Given the objectives that you have
rephrased, indicate the following:
(a) independent,
(b) dependent, and
(c) confounders/control variables
Exercise!
a.  To investigate causes of memory loss
b.  To determine impact of continuing
education for health workers
c.  To enhance participant’s appreciation of
primary health care
d.  To prove that in chronic renal disease,
short stature occurs, that this can be
proven in Filipino children
Laboratory Exercise
e. To study nutritional status and school
performance of grade school children
f. To look at the benzene exposure of
gasoline workers