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Research Process and Methodologies

Angela Torres-Gibbs
HCS / 465
March 7, 2016
Lane Baggett

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Research Process and Methodologies
Important for one to understand the process and how to develop an effective research
study strategy. One needs to be able to define the problem and purpose the researcher is seeking
to understand. To achieve this one needs to establish research questions, hypothesis, and all the
variables involved. Effective research studies and methodologies is a process that one may use
to evaluate their hypothesis and to determine a valid and reliable conclusion.
Research Process
"Research in practice is a commitment to better healthcare design, by informing the
decisions and measuring impact after occupancy. The goal of the research isn't academic; it's
rooted in real world priorities to create a better environment, enhance the human experience,
enable a better quality of life, and most important provide value to all stakeholders by
showing a tangible return on investment" (Nanda & Harvey, 20A14). The research process
requires individuals to have patience and use an efficient thought process as they complete the
six step process. Target create research hypothesis or research question based on the
organization's key performance goals. Explore / Experiment to gather knowledge in regrades
to the concept of the research, understand all users, and use tools that help balance technology
and ideas with full empathy. Define link research and solutions with the performance and the
hypothesis. Measure to identify the key metrics of the research design and to collect all data
required. Monitor to make sure that all research information is correct and accurate. Test to
test the hypothesis to see if the test was a success. Health care research takes only six basic
steps, a commitment to measuring and understanding between research and design.
Difference between Hypothesis and Research Question

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In developing a research project, requires a research question or a hypothesis. A research
question is a question that one can answer by doing research. There are two issues that arise
when asking a research question. 1. Are patients and consumers needs being met? 2. What
changes need to be done to meet those needs in the future? The first question can be answered
by using a quantitative research theory. Second question requires one to use the qualitative
research theory. The relationship between these two variables can be described in a hypothesis
statement. An effective theory is made up three components which are variables, population and
the relationship between the two. "If incorporating a research question rather than a hypothesis,
then one needs to know the essential features of a real issue are that the question or problem
should be: about one point, clear and concise and adequately resourced" (Parahoo, 1997).
Research Methodologies
When beginning a research project one must decide which methodology to use and the
most efficient strategy. There are three primary methods a researcher may use to collect data.
The first method is the Qualitative method which uses interviews, focus groups, and observations
to collect data.

Provides a framework for the research project to make it personal and

meaningful. Next method is the quantitative method which offers more objective view then the
qualitative approach. Process begins by creating a hypothesis and begins testing it through
structured mean. This requires one to use facts and statistics which provides an effective strategy
for the researcher. The last method is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods
when used together on is able to establish a broader conclusion.

"Within each primary

methodology are various designs that provide a framework or philosophy for the study"
(Vittafini. 2005).
Collection Tools

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There are different types of data collection tools that are being used today. Quantitative
data can be collect data by using four primary surveys for obtaining data successfully. One may
use the census to collect data regardless of the ones origin. Sample survey is when a researcher
only uses part of the population to obtain their data. Administrative data allows one to collect
data on an organization's day to day operations. Tracer studies allows one to keep track of ones
training curriculum. Qualitative data can gather data in various such as through questionnaires
which allows for a serious of questions to be obtained. Focus groups can also be used to
determine ones attitudes in regards to certain products, services, and concepts. The last tool is
an observation which is a group, or individual learners are invited to perform a particular task or
action. Observations are then made of behaviors, processes, workflows, etc. in a real life
situation" (Galvo, 2011).
Choosing a Sampling Method
There are many methods of sampling that one can choose to use to perform research.
Probability sampling allows anyone to have a chance to be part of the research study. Quota
sampling uses the same amount of people with the same characteristics and traits. A method that
targets certain groups is selective sampling that uses purposive, expert, and snowball sampling.
Field-based observations utilization in the ethnographic method that uses, selective and judgment
sampling.
Statistical Analysis
Six types of statistical analysis that all researchers. may use during the research processs.
Descriptive describing the main ideas of data collected. Exploratory approaches and analyzes
the data to determine the unknown relationship between the variables. Inferential test theories
on the nature of todays world by analyzing what may happen and what one may think may

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happen. Predictive various methods that analyze all the current and past facts that help predict
the future events. Causal determines what one variable may effect another variable.
Mechanistic (most amount of effort): Understand the exact changes in variables that lead to
changes in other variables for individual objects (Leek, 2013).
Conclusion
Research process and methodologies have many different aspects that make up the
processes. Understanding the difference between choosing a hypothesis and research question is
a critical aspect of research. Important to understand the different types of research
methodologies that are available. Researchers need to use all the collection tools that are
available to them and to use effective statistical analysis. Health care research requires one to
understand the process and to have patience, understanding and empathy among all, to be
successful with their research.

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References
Galvo, M. E. (2011, June). Types of data collection tools. Retrieved from European Quality
Assurance in Vocational Education and Training: http://eqavet.eu/qc/fns/terms-andconditions.aspx
Hoffman, A. (2014, August). Choosing a sampling method. Retrieved from Changing Minds:
http://changingmind.org
Leek, J. (2013, January 29). Six Types of Analyses Every Data Scientist Should Know. Retrieved
from Data Scientist Insights: http://datascientistinsights.com/2013/01/29/six-types-ofanalyses-every-data-scientist-should-know/
Nanda, U., & Harvey, T. (2014, June 3). 6 Steps to Integrate Research Into Healthcare Design.
Retrieved from Healthcare Design: htpp://www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com
Parahoo, A. K. (1997). Hypothesis / Research Question. Retrieved from Nursing Research:
Principles, Process & Issues: http://www,researchproposalsforhealthyprofessionals.com
Roberts, P., & Priest, H. (2010). Healthcare Research: A Textbook for Students and Practitioners.
West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley - Blackwell, John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Vittadini, G. (2005). A Methodology for measuring the relative effectiveness of healthcare

services. IMA Journal of Management Mathematics, 239-254.