Microsoft Word research method fm doc

Evaluation of the research undertaken
- An HSR project should not stop at 
finding answers to the research questions posed, but include an assessment of 
what decisions have been made based on the results of the study. This is the 
ability of research findings to influence policy, improve services and contribution to 
the betterment of health. 
1.6 Main components of any research work
I. Preparing a research proposal 
 
II. Fieldwork (i.e., data collection) 
 
III. Analyzing data and preparing a research report 
N.B. 
The roles of health managers and the community should be identified in the various phases of the 
research process. 
 
1.7 Exercises 
1. The health of any community depends on the interaction and balance between the 
health needs of the community, the health resources that are available, and the 
selection and application of health and health related interventions. Discuss!
2. To invest in research is to invest for a better future. Does this statement sound true? 
Justify your answer. 
3. Describe the characteristics of HSR by giving your own examples. 
 

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Research methodology 
8
CHAPTER TWO 
TOPIC SELECTION 
 
2.1 Learning objectives
 
After completing this chapter, the student should be able to
: 
1. Examine the cyclical nature of the development of a research proposal 
2. Describe the principles underlying whether a problem situation is researchable. 
3. List the criteria for selecting a research topic. 
4. Identify and select his/her own topic (health problem) for research based on certain 
guidelines.
2.2 Introduction 
 
The development of a health project goes through a number of stages. Formulation of the 
research proposal is the major task in the process of developing a research project. The 
proposal draws on all the preparatory steps of the research process and pulls them together 
in a document describing the rationale and the methodology proposed for research. The 
proposal is a basis for approval and funding. After approval, the proposal is used as a 
blueprint during implementation of the project. It should be noted that development of a 
research proposal is often a cyclical process. The process is not always linear. It is a usual 
practice to go up and down on the developed proposal and make the necessary revisions. 
 
Is there evidence to indicate that the research proposal focuses on a problem of priority 
importance? Was the given health problem identified by relevant groups of the health 
system? Was the problem adequately analysed to include all possible contributory factors 
from different sectors? Was it clearly stated? These questions should be clearly answered 
before trying to develop the research proposal. The sections that follow are devoted to giving 
the guidelines useful for identification, selection, analysis and statement of the given problem.