Microsoft Word research method fm doc

II) Objective of the study 
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General objective: aim of the study in general terms 
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Specific objectives: measurable statements on the specific questions to be Answered 
• Hypotheses 
The objectives should meet the purpose of the study. They should be phrased clearly, 
unambiguously and very specifically. Also, they should be phrased in measurable terms. 
III) Materials and methods 
If the investigation deals with human beings, the terms 'study population' or 'subjects' are 
preferable to 'materials'. 
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Type of study (study design) 
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Study 
population 
- Describe the study areas and populations 
- Mapping and numbering of the study area 
- Appropriateness of the study 
- Accessibility (provide background information, travel, time, etc...) 
- Cooperation and stability of the population 
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Type of data (defining each variable to be collected and methods for collecting them) 

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Research methodology 
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- Operational definitions
- Some elements of the variables to be studied: 
What characteristics will be measured? How will the variables be defined? What scales of 
measurement will be used etc. 
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Inclusion/ exclusion criteria 
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Sampling procedure to be used and sample size and power calculation. 
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Data collection and management 
- Data collection and coding forms should be appended to protocol 
- Training and quality control, bias control, data entry and storage, data clean-up 
and correction of deficiencies 
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Data 
analysis 
- Management of dropouts 
- Frequencies, rates, other parameters 
- Statistical programs and tests to be used 
- Data presentation (dummy tables to be appended) 
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Ethical considerations: rights and welfare of the subjects and method of obtaining their 
informed consent 
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Pretest or pilot study: 
(allows us to identify potential problems in the proposed study)