From Interest to Research

From Interest to Research:

From Interest to Research Developing a research question and designing a study Lea Rivera Todaro, MPhil, IBCLC Program Manager - Queens

Training Objectives:

Training Objectives To understand and define “research” To be able to identify and ask a research question To operationalize a conceptual theory into a research design

Research:

Research Systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge -- DHHS

Ok, but what IS research:

Ok, but what IS research Systematic Designed Generalizable Knowledge

Research Is Different From Practice:

Research Is Different From Practice But it can influence HOW you practice

As A Doctor You Are Trained To…:

As A Doctor You Are Trained To… Think quickly Problem solve Treat every patient differently Treat appropriately Focus on individual.

As a Researcher You Are Trained To….:

As a Researcher You Are Trained To…. Be objective Be skeptical Add to the knowledge of the scientific community Look at groups & patterns.

I’ve Been Wondering…:

I’ve Been Wondering… Research questions can be found through Clinical experience Personal experience Literature Conference

Research Questions are :

Research Questions are Simple Testable Grounded in theory

A good research question:

A good research question Guides your study development by identifying the predictor (independent) and outcome (dependent) variables

What are those?:

What are those? Predictor variable That which is being manipulated Medical intervention v. Watch and Wait Surgery v. Physical therapy Outcome Variable The outcomes BMI Recovery time Length of stay in hospital

A Simple Question:

A Simple Question Uses plain language Are South Asians at higher risk for myocardial infarction? Is age at immigration a risk factor for obesity for Mexican born youths? Can Twitter be used to improve diabetes management for adolescents?

A Testable Question:

A Testable Question Looks at your outcomes and selects measures Daily weights Sugar levels Questionnaire

A Grounded Question:

A Grounded Question Moves from our current understanding based on the literature to extend or expand the knowledge base

A Research Question May Also:

A Research Question May Also Identify the population of interest Urban Latino, Asian Women, Men, Child Identify the expected direction of results Increase, decrease Improve

Study Design:

Study Design

Two Major Design Types:

Two Major Design Types Experimental Randomized Correlational or Quasi-Experimental Non randomized

What are the differences:

What are the differences The ability to draw definitive conclusions changes based on design Internal validity External validity Generalizability

Two Methodology Types:

Two Methodology Types Qualitative Descriptive, thematic Quantitative Counts the number of something

Mixed - Methods:

Mixed - Methods A qualitative study that is eventually quantified A quantitative study that gathers “stories”

Research On v. Research With:

Research On v. Research With Increases validity Increases applicability and translation Increases your knowledge of culture, community, which may improve your clinical practice Community Involved Research

Next steps:

Next steps Consider sample size Consider your statistical methods Talk with mentors, seasoned researchers, statisticians about Power Analysis and calculating sample size Apply the FINER Criteria

FINER:

FINER F- Feasible. Do you have access to materials? Do you have access to enough subjects?  Will you have enough time and money?  Do you have the expertise to do this study or can you collaborate with someone who does? I- Interesting. The question has to be interesting to the investigator, but should also be interesting to others. N- Novel. Has this study been done before?  Does it add to the current body of medical knowledge? E- Ethical. Can the study be done in a way that does not subject subjects to excess risks?  Will an IRB approve the study? R- Relevant. Will it further medical science?  Will the results change clinical practice, health policy or point towards further avenues of research

I….R….B…:

I….R….B… http://www.mssm.edu/research/resources/program-for-the-protection-of-human-subjects

For Additional Support:

For Additional Support In Queens Lea Rivera Todaro 718-334-1854 646-341-3014 In Manhattan Andria Reyes, 212-241-2884 Crispin Goytia, 212-824-7323