Types of Research

TYPES OF RESEARCHTYPES OF RESEARCH
Dr. Ali Abd El-Monsif ThabetDr. Ali Abd El-Monsif Thabet

PROPOSAL FORMATPROPOSAL FORMAT
 1. Title of research study1. Title of research study
 2. Name and title of investigator/s and participating2. Name and title of investigator/s and participating
facilityfacility
 3. Introduction3. Introduction
 * Problem statement, Subproblems* Problem statement, Subproblems
 * Purpose of the study.* Purpose of the study.
 * Significance of the study* Significance of the study
 * Hypothesis* Hypothesis
 * Rationale* Rationale
 *Definitions*Definitions

 4. Literature review4. Literature review
 5. Method5. Method
 ** DesignDesign
 * Sample* Sample
 * Equipment and materials* Equipment and materials
 * Procedure* Procedure
 * Data analysis* Data analysis
 6. Results6. Results
 * Statistical analysis* Statistical analysis
 * Tables and graphs* Tables and graphs

 7. Discussion7. Discussion
 * Interpretation of the results* Interpretation of the results
 8. Summary and conclusion8. Summary and conclusion
 9. Arabic conclusion9. Arabic conclusion
 10. Appendices10. Appendices
 11. Bibliography11. Bibliography

Title of Research StudyTitle of Research Study
 The words in the title should concise butThe words in the title should concise but
sufficient to give the reviewer a good idea ofsufficient to give the reviewer a good idea of
what the project is about or what is beingwhat the project is about or what is being
proposed for study.proposed for study.
 The title may reflect the nature of the majorThe title may reflect the nature of the major
problem or be a statement of a sub problem.problem or be a statement of a sub problem.
Although the title must be free of excessive orAlthough the title must be free of excessive or
redundant wording, brevity should not reduceredundant wording, brevity should not reduce
clarity.clarity.

Name and Title of InvestigatorsName and Title of Investigators
and Participating Facilitiesand Participating Facilities
 The principal investigator's name and title areThe principal investigator's name and title are
listed first and then names of other investigatorslisted first and then names of other investigators
follow in order of contribution to the study.follow in order of contribution to the study.
 An investigator's title may be the highest earnedAn investigator's title may be the highest earned
degree or position.degree or position.
 The participating facility is usually the place ofThe participating facility is usually the place of
employment of the investigator (s) or placeemployment of the investigator (s) or place
where the research is to be conducted.where the research is to be conducted.

IntroductionIntroduction
 This section is the beginning of the main report andThis section is the beginning of the main report and
sets the stage for the paper by presenting thesets the stage for the paper by presenting the
framework on which the study was conceived.framework on which the study was conceived.
 The word "introduction" is not used as a heading butThe word "introduction" is not used as a heading but
is understood without labeling.is understood without labeling.
 The introduction contains the purpose, backgroundThe introduction contains the purpose, background
for the study, the hypothesis, the research question,for the study, the hypothesis, the research question,
and are view of literature relevant to the top of theand are view of literature relevant to the top of the
paper.paper.
 Information included in this section should be aInformation included in this section should be a
synthesis of reports of logically arranged in sequentialsynthesis of reports of logically arranged in sequential
or chronological order.or chronological order.

The Research ProblemThe Research Problem
 A brief statement of the problem is aA brief statement of the problem is a
must.must.
 If the statement is that of a majorIf the statement is that of a major
problem, then the sub problem toproblem, then the sub problem to
which the proposal is addressed mustwhich the proposal is addressed must
be stated.be stated.
 Not all studies have subproblems, butNot all studies have subproblems, but
many do.many do.

 ExampleExample
 Major problem:Major problem:
 How can force of contracting muscles beHow can force of contracting muscles be
increased?increased?
 Sub problem:Sub problem:
 What is the effect of various hip anglesWhat is the effect of various hip angles
on the quadriceps femoris muscle forceon the quadriceps femoris muscle force
during dynamic resistive exercise ?during dynamic resistive exercise ?

 The sub problem in this example isThe sub problem in this example is
related to the major problem and isrelated to the major problem and is
one step in answering "how can theone step in answering "how can the
force of contracting muscles beforce of contracting muscles be
increased”.increased”.
 The simplest way to define a researchThe simplest way to define a research
problem is to state a question.problem is to state a question.

Purpose of studyPurpose of study
 If a single objective is to be achieved by theIf a single objective is to be achieved by the
research, a succinct statement of purpose of theresearch, a succinct statement of purpose of the
study should be stated.study should be stated.
 If more than one objective is to be achieved, theIf more than one objective is to be achieved, the
objectives should be listed in outline form toobjectives should be listed in outline form to
reduce wording and to catch the reviewerreduce wording and to catch the reviewer
attention.attention.

 Examples:Examples:
 To determine the effect of the abdominalTo determine the effect of the abdominal
muscles exercises on the function of the pelvicmuscles exercises on the function of the pelvic
floor muscles in treating of mild stress urinaryfloor muscles in treating of mild stress urinary
incontinence.incontinence.
 To determine the effect of low intensity laserTo determine the effect of low intensity laser
therapy on the muscle fiber size in experimentedtherapy on the muscle fiber size in experimented
rats versus control.rats versus control.
 To compare the effect of magnetic therapyTo compare the effect of magnetic therapy
versus weight bearing ex's on osteoporoticversus weight bearing ex's on osteoporotic
patients.patients.

Activities leading to problemActivities leading to problem
identificationidentification
 Observation in the clinicObservation in the clinic
 A problem might be the result of a gap in aA problem might be the result of a gap in a
body of knowledgebody of knowledge
 Reading and analyzing the literature in aReading and analyzing the literature in a
particular area of interest is perhaps the mostparticular area of interest is perhaps the most
satisfactory approach to identifying researchsatisfactory approach to identifying research
problems.problems.
 Controversial issues should be examinedControversial issues should be examined
 Replication of previous studies.Replication of previous studies.

Considerations in selecting aConsiderations in selecting a
problemproblem
 1.1. Interest, training, and knowledgeInterest, training, and knowledge
 The researcher must ask whether the problem isThe researcher must ask whether the problem is
sufficiently interesting to pursue and devote thesufficiently interesting to pursue and devote the
time required to seek the solution.time required to seek the solution.
 The researcher must be curious, motivated andThe researcher must be curious, motivated and
interested in the specific problem.interested in the specific problem.
 The student is strongly advised to haveThe student is strongly advised to have
considerable interest in the problem beforeconsiderable interest in the problem before
undertaking the required projectundertaking the required project

2.2. Solvability of problem.Solvability of problem.
 The student may select an interestingThe student may select an interesting
problem, but the problem may notproblem, but the problem may not
be answerable for various reasons.be answerable for various reasons.
 The problem may be too broad orThe problem may be too broad or
too complex for a solution within thetoo complex for a solution within the
capability of the available personnelcapability of the available personnel
or facilities.or facilities.

3- Professional contribution3- Professional contribution
 The value or gains of the research must beThe value or gains of the research must be
considered by the researcher beforeconsidered by the researcher before
starting a study or even before seekingstarting a study or even before seeking
approval for the study.approval for the study.
 The researcher should ask whether theThe researcher should ask whether the
problem is too small (trivial) to be of anyproblem is too small (trivial) to be of any
value or whether the problem is too largevalue or whether the problem is too large
(complex) to be answered in a single study.(complex) to be answered in a single study.

4- Availability of technology,4- Availability of technology,
equipment and facilityequipment and facility
If the technical background of theIf the technical background of the
researcher is inadequate in aresearcher is inadequate in a
specific area, consultation withspecific area, consultation with
experts must be arranged (e.g. aexperts must be arranged (e.g. a
statistician, electrical technician, orstatistician, electrical technician, or
photographic technician)photographic technician)

LimitationsLimitations
 Limitations are conditions or variables not under theLimitations are conditions or variables not under the
control of the researcher.control of the researcher.
 The limiting conditions can influence the outcome ofThe limiting conditions can influence the outcome of
the investigation.the investigation.
 Limitations may include:Limitations may include:
 1. The type of measuring device1. The type of measuring device
 2. The type of subject who volunteers for the study2. The type of subject who volunteers for the study
 3. The method of selecting the subjects3. The method of selecting the subjects
 4. The economics of undertaking the problem solution4. The economics of undertaking the problem solution
 5. The moral issues concerning risks.5. The moral issues concerning risks.

DelimitationDelimitation
 The problem must be narrowed so that the question can beThe problem must be narrowed so that the question can be
answered.answered.
 The delimitation guide the research by establishing limitsThe delimitation guide the research by establishing limits
or boundaries, by narrowing the selected problem, and byor boundaries, by narrowing the selected problem, and by
defining the scope of the investigation.defining the scope of the investigation.
The problem be defined by listing independent variables in fourThe problem be defined by listing independent variables in four
categories:categories:
 l. Treatment variables (type, duration, intensity, consistency).l. Treatment variables (type, duration, intensity, consistency).
 2. Subject variables (age, sex, physical status)2. Subject variables (age, sex, physical status)
 3.Therapist variables (age, sex, experience, professional3.Therapist variables (age, sex, experience, professional
attitude).attitude).
 4.Condition variables (type, severity, location, concurrent4.Condition variables (type, severity, location, concurrent

Significance of studySignificance of study
 The investigator must explain :The investigator must explain :
 Why time and effort should be spent on theWhy time and effort should be spent on the
study.study.
 What the study is expected to contribute to theWhat the study is expected to contribute to the
problem or to a body of knowledge.problem or to a body of knowledge.
 How much this study is beneficial for the relatedHow much this study is beneficial for the related
field, for the whole population, for the cliniciansfield, for the whole population, for the clinicians
and for the economy of the country should.and for the economy of the country should.

Significance of studySignificance of study
 1.1. The size of the problemThe size of the problem
 a.a. Related to the populationRelated to the population
 b.b. Related to the country's economyRelated to the country's economy
 c.c. Related to patient psycho-social aspectsRelated to patient psycho-social aspects
 2. The difference of the experimented technique2. The difference of the experimented technique
from other previous techniquesfrom other previous techniques
 3. The advantages of the new technique over the3. The advantages of the new technique over the
other techniques like time saving, money wise, safety,other techniques like time saving, money wise, safety,
and the practicability of the technique.and the practicability of the technique.
 4. The weak points of other approaches regarding4. The weak points of other approaches regarding
techniques, design, patient selections, statisticaltechniques, design, patient selections, statistical

RationaleRationale
 Scientific justification for problem solving.Scientific justification for problem solving.
 It should convince the reviewer about the thinking ofIt should convince the reviewer about the thinking of
problem solving.problem solving.
 The scientific justification of interaction betweenThe scientific justification of interaction between
independent variable/s and the dependent variable/sindependent variable/s and the dependent variable/s
should be clarified by the investigator.should be clarified by the investigator.
 Each paragraph should carry a specific idea, and theEach paragraph should carry a specific idea, and the
whole subject indicate scientific analysis of thewhole subject indicate scientific analysis of the
problem and its way of solving.problem and its way of solving.

RationaleRationale
 1.1. 1st Paragraph1st Paragraph
 It include the size of the problem and its influence on theIt include the size of the problem and its influence on the
whole population and on the economical studies.whole population and on the economical studies.
 2.2. 2nd Paragraph2nd Paragraph
 It includes demonstration of the treatment trials for solvingIt includes demonstration of the treatment trials for solving
this problem and shows their effectiveness and weakness.this problem and shows their effectiveness and weakness.
 3.3. 3rd Paragraph3rd Paragraph
 It includes the nature of the pathological background of theIt includes the nature of the pathological background of the
problem that needs to be solved.problem that needs to be solved.
 4.4. 4th Paragraph4th Paragraph
 It includes the relationship and physiological effect ofIt includes the relationship and physiological effect of
treatment intervention on the underlying pathology of thetreatment intervention on the underlying pathology of the
problem and how it ca help to resolve this problem.problem and how it ca help to resolve this problem.

HYPOTHESIS TESTINGHYPOTHESIS TESTING
 HypothesisHypothesis
 The, formulation of hypothesis reduces the problem toThe, formulation of hypothesis reduces the problem to
conditional relations which can be tested by the researchconditional relations which can be tested by the research
process.process.
 A hypothesis is a proposition that can be tested. It is an ideaA hypothesis is a proposition that can be tested. It is an idea
about the relation between two or more variables.about the relation between two or more variables.
 Hypothesis testing enables the researcher to compareHypothesis testing enables the researcher to compare
theoretical results with those obtained by experimentation.theoretical results with those obtained by experimentation.
 Gathering and analyzing data are ways of determining whetherGathering and analyzing data are ways of determining whether
theoretical and experimental results are in agreement ortheoretical and experimental results are in agreement or
whether the difference in results warrants rejection of thewhether the difference in results warrants rejection of the
theory.theory.

 The hypothesis can be tested in two forms:The hypothesis can be tested in two forms:
1. Alternate hypothesis or Directional hypothesis1. Alternate hypothesis or Directional hypothesis
 2.2. Null hypothesisNull hypothesis
 Alternate hypothesisAlternate hypothesis states that a difference does existstates that a difference does exist
between variables. If a researcher has some evidencebetween variables. If a researcher has some evidence
(personal observations or literature reports showing(personal observations or literature reports showing
trends) to believe that one method is better thantrends) to believe that one method is better than
another, then a directional hypothesis can be tested.another, then a directional hypothesis can be tested.
For exampleFor example: dynamic exercises are better than: dynamic exercises are better than
isometric exercises for increase strength throughoutisometric exercises for increase strength throughout
the entire range of joint motion.the entire range of joint motion.

 Null hypothesisNull hypothesis states that no difference existsstates that no difference exists
between variables. Null (means without value orbetween variables. Null (means without value or
significance). In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesissignificance). In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis
implies that the difference between the means of theimplies that the difference between the means of the
different values is equal to zero.different values is equal to zero.
 The null hypothesis is used commonly in experimentalThe null hypothesis is used commonly in experimental
research because of simplicity. The null hypothesis is aresearch because of simplicity. The null hypothesis is a
clear and unambiguous statement.clear and unambiguous statement.
 For example:For example: ice packs and hot packs are equallyice packs and hot packs are equally
effective for treating patients having chronic low backeffective for treating patients having chronic low back
strains.strains.

LITERATURE REVIEWLITERATURE REVIEW
 Related ResearchRelated Research
 The most relativeThe most relative studies supporting the investigator'sstudies supporting the investigator's
argument should be cited in this section.argument should be cited in this section.
 The investigator must present the informationThe investigator must present the information in ain a
logical sequence, sometimes chronologically, tological sequence, sometimes chronologically, to
demonstrate his knowledge of previous research.demonstrate his knowledge of previous research.
 The story must convince the reviewer that previousThe story must convince the reviewer that previous
research has not answered the question or tested theresearch has not answered the question or tested the
hypothesis stated by the investigator.hypothesis stated by the investigator.

 If any current studies overlap the problem ofIf any current studies overlap the problem of
the proposal, the investigator should showthe proposal, the investigator should show
how this proposal differs from those studieshow this proposal differs from those studies
or how it will complement them.or how it will complement them.
 A survey of literature relating to the problemA survey of literature relating to the problem
must be undertaken. The reason for this are:must be undertaken. The reason for this are:
 1. To ascertain originality of research.1. To ascertain originality of research.
 2.2. To provide ideas for solving the problem.To provide ideas for solving the problem.
 3. To avoid repetitious findings3. To avoid repetitious findings

Planning the literature reviewPlanning the literature review
 The researcher must be familiar with theThe researcher must be familiar with the
valuable sources in the libraryvaluable sources in the library
 Primary literature; (periodicals, books).Primary literature; (periodicals, books).
 Secondary literature (Abstracts)Secondary literature (Abstracts)

Reviewing ProcessReviewing Process
 The task of reviewing is becoming veryThe task of reviewing is becoming very
difficult because of tremendous amounts ofdifficult because of tremendous amounts of
literature.literature.
 This process vary from subject to subjectThis process vary from subject to subject
according to:according to:
 Familiarity with the library,Familiarity with the library,
 The demand of the subject or area beingThe demand of the subject or area being
reviewed, andreviewed, and
 The detail desired.The detail desired.

Personal Abstract FilePersonal Abstract File
 Isolation of each reference on a single indexIsolation of each reference on a single index
card or attached cards is important because ascard or attached cards is important because as
review of the literature continues, considerablereview of the literature continues, considerable
information is available and collected.information is available and collected.
 The researcher should choose the size of theThe researcher should choose the size of the
card (7.6 x 12.7, 12.7 x 20.3 cm) on which tocard (7.6 x 12.7, 12.7 x 20.3 cm) on which to
record bibliographical and abstract informationrecord bibliographical and abstract information
and notes.and notes.
 The abstract provides sufficient information toThe abstract provides sufficient information to
determine whether the report is relative to thedetermine whether the report is relative to the
research problem.research problem.

Information ResourcesInformation Resources
 AbstractsAbstracts
 A number of journals provide readers with anA number of journals provide readers with an
abstracting services, which can save time in locatingabstracting services, which can save time in locating
the original reports. Abstracts should be consideredthe original reports. Abstracts should be considered
as secondary sources of literature review.as secondary sources of literature review.
 JournalsJournals
 Journals are primary sources for seeking informationJournals are primary sources for seeking information
for investigative work on a particular topic. Selectionfor investigative work on a particular topic. Selection
of journals appropriate to the investigator's topicof journals appropriate to the investigator's topic
depends on the subject being pursueddepends on the subject being pursued

 ReprintsReprints
 If a published report is particularly useful,If a published report is particularly useful,
then a reproduction or reprint should bethen a reproduction or reprint should be
obtained. A reprint can be placed in theobtained. A reprint can be placed in the
personal file and is available as needed.personal file and is available as needed.
 Reprints of recent references (within 2Reprints of recent references (within 2
years) can be obtained by writing directly toyears) can be obtained by writing directly to
the author and requesting a reprint of thethe author and requesting a reprint of the
article.article.

 BooksBooks
 Books on the most areas of interest are available inBooks on the most areas of interest are available in
medical libraries. Books give basic material in varyingmedical libraries. Books give basic material in varying
degrees of depth according to the book's purpose, butdegrees of depth according to the book's purpose, but
not the most up-to-date sources of information. Theirnot the most up-to-date sources of information. Their
bibliographies offer important sources of information.bibliographies offer important sources of information.
 MicrofilmsMicrofilms
 Microfilm provides the researcher with the originalMicrofilm provides the researcher with the original
article. The reader can read any page of the article on aarticle. The reader can read any page of the article on a
large viewing screen.large viewing screen.

Types of Research

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