Material & Methods Section Preparation

(in the Health Research Proposal)

Questions
What are the components of a
research proposal (RP) ?
What are the components of the
Material & Methods section ?
Ethical considerations

Proposal Components

Executive Summary
Literature review & rationale
Objectives & hypothesis
Material & Methods
Ethical considerations
Timeline (chronogram)
Budget
References
Investigating team

Methodology
An informative material &
methods should answer the
following questions:
How is the study designed ?
How will the study be carried
out ?
How will the data be
analyzed ?

How is the study designed ?

Type of study design(s):

quantitative / qualitative methods;
exact type(s)
Suitability of choice of design for
stated objectives of the study
Study setting(s): where will it be
carried out, including sources of
secondary data collection [census;
records, etc]

How will the study be carried out -1 ?

Sampling Plan:

Sample size estimation (internet-based,

software-based, paper-based)
Sampling technique (random,
purposive)
Sample selection (related details)
Inclusion / exclusion criteria

How will the study be carried out -2 ?

Data collection methods:

Form [questionnaire sections /
variables / response codes]
Measurements [e.g. biometric /
anthropometric]
Lab investigations [types, referenced
techniques / kits for each]
Scientific background of research team
Pilot study planning

How will the data be analyzed ?

Software to be used (referenced):

e.g. EpiInfo; SPSS; Stata; R; SAS, etc
Plan for statistical techniques and
methods to be used

Descriptive
Analytical
as related to study objectives / expected
outcomes

RESEARCH ETHICS

Research Ethics (I)

Human participation in research projects

has contributed to better quality of life
through the development of diagnostic
tools and successful treatments.
Fundamental ethics need to be included in
the design, implementation and evaluation
phases of research, especially when
involving human subjects. Such principles
are universally agreed upon, and transcend
cultural, geographical, economic, legal and
political boundaries.

Research Ethics (II)

International research ethics ensure
that research conducted at the local
level follows international
expectations and standards.
Following such international
expectations validates the time and
energy invested by the researcher, as
well as the good will and trust
invested by the participants.

Research Ethics (III)

Research with human participants is a
privilege, not a right. Researchers work
within the framework of society, and the
rules of society must be followed viz-a-viz
the rules of science & research. Different
guidelines governing research with human
participants share the same fundamental
principles of research ethics: respect for
persons, beneficence and justice. We have
to place the well-being of the individual
research participant before everything else.

Research Ethics (IV)

These principles are considered universal
transcending geographic, cultural, economic,
legal, & political boundaries. Although these
principles are universal, the availability of the
resources needed to maintain them are not
universal. For instance, no universal principle
exists on how a clinical trial should be
monitored. Regardless of limitations, these
principles must guide the behavior of all
individuals involved in planning, conducting
and sponsoring human research.

Expectations of Ethical
Considerations

Design of a bilingual consent form (for

written approval of participants)
Assurance of respect of human rights in
research involving human subjects,
including:
Benefits outweigh risks
Confidentiality
Anonymity
Voluntary participation

Components of M&M
Section

Study design
Study setting
Sampling
Tools of data collection
Pilot study
Data management plan
Ethical considerations

Conclusion

This section should be directly

related to the study question(s),
objectives, hypotheses
It should be clear, informative,
answers all 3 questions
Should clearly observe ethical
considerations requested by all
reviewers of research proposals /
funding agencies

Questions
What are the components of a
research proposal (RP) ?
What are the components of the
Material & Methods section ?
Ethical considerations

Thanks for your kind

attention
and listening