3. Design the Study and Develop Methods
Participant Involvement
Consider the effect of your research on the participant.
- Does the design methodologies pose practical or even ethical problems for those taking part?
- Engage with users whilst designing your study to ensure your study works well in the real world. Engagement should
- Be as early as possible in the process
- Could be in the form of a small focus group, users on your study design team or speaking to a relevant patient support or other group.
- UK Clinical Research Networks often have access to local and national user involvement groups and may be able to help .
- User Involvement section
Survey Design
Do you know what is the most appropriate survey method for your research project? What method will give you the most useful data for the project you are working on? The Research Methods Knowledge Base has many useful sections on social research methods including:
Sampling
What method of sampling will give you the most useful data for the project you are working on?
- Sampling methods from the National Audit Office Sampling Guide
- Discussion on the distinction between Probability and Nonprobability sampling methods
Statistical Issues
Are you familiar with the statistics you may need to use? If not, consider enrolling on a suitable course. RDLearning, your local RDS, R&D Office or Higher Education Institution should be able to assist you in finding a relevant course. Other tools and guidance:
- Statistics Guide for Research Grant Applicants
- Online Statistics Textbook from Statsoft.com
- Statistical Sampling Terms
- Statistics glossary, from the School of Psychology, St. Andrews University
- Comprehensive bibliography of medical statistics textbooks from 'Medical Statistics at a Glance' (Blackwell Publishing)
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Which research method is most appropriate to your research project? Do you know the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods?
- Choosing an appropriate method of research
Does your research require the use of mixed methods?
Mixed method research or multimethodology, uses quantitative and qualitative methods in a singe or multiphased study (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998) at all or many research stages (Creswell, 1995) including sampling strategies, data collection & analysis, findings synthesis and integration & reporting. The data collections & analysis, findings synthesis, and integration & reporting. The data collected, analysed and synthesized can be numerical, but also textual, visual and multimedia data.- Developing your research idea
Adapted from material by Keith Chantler, R&D Manager, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals
(Page 11 - Table of comparison)Questionnaire Design
Do you know how to design a questionnaire for survey research?
Collaboration
Have you considered collaborating with other researchers? here
Intellectual Property
What is 'Intellectual Property' and what does it mean to a researcher?
- Policy Framework for the management of Intellectual Property, The Department of Health
- NHS National Innovation Centre - set up to help ensure that innovations are identified and developed in the interests of patients and society as a whole. There are a number of regional hubs.
