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Mother and Child Health: Research Methods. G.J.Ebrahim Editor Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Oxford University Press . Elements of the Scientific Method. Observation, description and measurement Generalisation Hypotheses Theories Deduction Controlled Observation
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Mother and Child Health: Research Methods G.J.Ebrahim Editor Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Oxford University Press.
Elements of the Scientific Method • Observation, description and measurement • Generalisation • Hypotheses • Theories • Deduction • Controlled Observation • Verification / Falsification
Observation, Description and Measurement Precise, unbiased recording of observation is the hallmark of science. The data so obtained could be Quantitative or Qualitative
Generalisation Statements arising out of observation are often generalised. For example, “Penicillin cures pneumonia.” This is known as Induction
Hypotheses Hypotheses are statements which specify the nature of relationships between 2 or more sets of observations. For example, Observation set 1 Administration of penicillin. Observation set 2 Cure of pneumonia.
Theories Hypotheses get integrated into theories. Theories bring together observations from many sources. For example, microbiology; cell physiology, medicine, and so on. Theories specify causes of events and help to predict events and outcomes.
Deduction Deductions are Logical Statements arising out of theories
Controlled Observation Hypotheses are tested under controlled conditions to remove the influence of other factors
Verification / Falsification The investigator collects data, and after analysis decides whether the results are consistent with the hypothesis. Observations Hypotheses Theories
The Research Process Truth in Universe Truth in the study Phenomenon of Interest Actual Study Study Plan Findings in the Study Operational Variables Actual Data Research Question Sample Population Target Population Actual Subjects
Sources of Distortion Study Design not Appropriate Research Question Study Population Different from target population Target Population Operational variables not Appropriate Phenomenon of Interest
Internal and External Validity Sampling Sample Sample Target Population Internal validity Comparison Measurement External Validity Analysis Conclusion