WRITING UP YOUR PROJECT

06.12.12

Research Methods

Research Projects

Background Literature Aims and Hypothesis Methods:

Study DesignData collection approachSample Size and PowerReliability and ValidityAnalysis strategy

Research Project

Results Discussion and Conclusion Limitations Acknowledgements

Disseminating your findings and getting published

Plan for the day

Results presentation and writing up Discussion Conclusion Getting published

RESULTS

Summary of your findings Consistent with your research method Use appropriate display of information

and analysis of data Relevant statistical techniques where

appropriate

RESULTS: How to present? How will you display your findings?

What are the options?

RESULTS

Aim – to present your information in a way that can be easily understood, yet includes relevant detail

Data analysis

Data cleaning: analyse mistakes/ illegible responses/ inconsistent results/ implausible numbersClarify which are accurate respondantsMay need to discard some data or go back

to check data

Data analysis

Missing data- identify if any missing data? Errors or omission

Data analysis

Re-coding To group variables in a form in which

you wish to analyse them

e.g. from continuous data to grouped sets

Eg age to age groups Should spot-check for errors Repeated by independent person –

compare and check results

Data analysis: Browsing data Central tendancy or characteristic of

dataMean- arithmetic averageMedian- middle valueMode- most common

Browsing Data

Variation in the data Range of values: Min – Max Standard Deviation – the average

distance of individual observation from the group mean

Data analysis

Differences within the data

Difference between means (t-test)

Differences between proportion (chi-squared)

Data analysis

Relationships within the data

Relationship between 1 variable and another using statistical method

CorrelationRegression

Data analysis

Data transformations Transform variables:

Re-codeCountsScalingConditional transformations (transform 1

variable depending on another)

Types of data analysis

Univariate analysis: single variables Time series analysis- measuring

changes over time Bivariate analysis: pairs of data Multivariate analysis: >2 variables Cost effectiveness analysis Use effectiveness analysis

Comparing variables

Comparing variables – distribution between 2/+ groupsTesting difference between means (t-test)Comparing proportions: (Chi Squared)Comparing % in same sample at 2 different

points of time (McNemar test)Comparing > 2 means (ANOVA- analysis of

variance)

Results Section

Describe basic data – first things first! Text Table Graph Use of number, n and % Decimal points: general to 2 decimal 1.25

E.g. Number of patients included, excluded

Demographic data

Results

Describing dataRangeMean/Mode/MedianAny basic trendsConfidence Intervals and p-values

Progress into more detailed statistical analysis as appropriate

Results

Ensure use of tables/ graphs/charts is appropriate and to scale

Title, label and provide a key if needed

Pie charts- percentages Bar charts- comparison of different data Line graphs- change over time Histograms- continuous charted data

Results: tables

Should be concise Make sure it makes sense to read on its

own May need more than one table if it is

becoming large and unwieldy If complex data, a graph may be better

Presenting results

Takes more thought and practice than you might imagine

Exercise: Plan how you would present the findings of your research – what graphs, tables etc. would you use and why?

Draft some examples – dummy tables

Conclusion & Dicussion

Summarise your findings – key points Relate findings back to the literature

base and your own aims and objectives Discuss benefits of your study Discuss limitations

Getting published!

A significant achievement – personally, for cv and career

But cannot be taken for granted Consider the requirements of journals

and their reviewers

Preparing a publication

Why do you want it to be published? What does your research have to

contribute to the field? Is it timely, relevant and of interest? Consider WHO is audience? WHICH JOURNAL to publish in?

Preparing a publication

Consider which Journal might be willing to publish your researchArea of interestAudienceType of research/ articleImpact factor

Journal Style

Look at the Journal Guidance for Authors- what is the style required for writing upSpacingFontMargin SizeNumberingHeadingsNumber and style of tables, graphs etc.

Journal Style

Abstract style Authorship Conflicts of interest

Word Count, Which type of paper your research meets – case report/ review/ original research/ commentary etc..

Journal Style

ReferencingNumber of referencesReference style – Vancouver, Harvard etc.

Writing up for publication What is key finding?

Structure article in way that will take the reader with you and engage them with the relevance of your findings

Writing up for publicationWrite a draft

Revise

Revise

Revise again!

Don’t get too disheartened..

Get feedback from others..

Writing up for publication Submit article – online log-in often May need to suggest reviewers Ensure you get submission deadline and

provide correct contact details Agree who is lead author on paper and

corresponding author Wait for feedback… and keep waiting..

Until hopefully you get a positive result!!

BARRIERS TO RESEARCH

INTERNAL- Previous experiences (good/bad)- Knowledge, skills and confidence- Own beliefs about research value- Prioritisation of time for research

In 5 minutes jot down your positive and negative internal influences on your research

BARRIERS TO RESEARCH

EXTERNAL Other commitments- practical/ work/

personal Technology issues Research supervision Support from others

Spend 5 minutes identifying external barriers to your research

Overcoming Barriers

Spend 5-10 minutes identifying an action plan for your research protocol- think about targets being: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely