How to Choose Methodology (Materials and Methods) for Health Science Articles
You can choose an appropriate methodology for your health science articles by defining the research objectives, study design, and available. Selecting the right methodology for your health science article ensures you get accurate and relevant results from your analysis.
In this guide, we’ll see essential details about how to choose materials and methods for health science articles. All the vital information below will help you conduct a valid, practical research to add to existing knowledge about health science topics. Garnering multiple citations and becoming an authority in the health science field is easier with tips in this guide.
How to Choose Methodology for Health Science Articles
1. Define research objective(s)
You need to define all objectives of your research clearly before selecting a methodology. Outline the questions and tentative statements (hypotheses) the article will address. Proper understanding of your research objective is a smart way to choose the right methodology to suit your health science article.
2. Assess study design
Study designs play a vital part in choosing an appropriate methodology for your health science article. The most common designs used in research article are experimental, qualitative, or observational in nature.
You need to look at the benefits and limitations of available research designs when choosing a methodology. An inappropriate study design might derail the main objective of your health science article or be unsuitable for your research.
3. Assess data
The type of data you need to conduct research can determine which methodology you use in your article. Common data types used in health science research are qualitative (subjective or descriptive information) or quantitative (numeral measurements). Qualitative data is usually ideal for studies that involve focus groups, content analysis, and interviews (questionnaire, face-to-face, phone, online, etc.).
4. Consult previous research works or experts
Information from existing research could be pivotal while selecting a methodology for your health science article. Consulting previous research related to yours will provide enough information to help you choose the appropriate materials and methods.
You can seek advice from experts in your field too to gain insight about proper methodology for your health science research.
5. Conduct a pilot test
A pilot test should be the final step you take before selecting an appropriate methodology for your health science article. The pilot test will provide you enough information to:
- Identify potential problems,
- Refine procedures, and
- Effect vital adjustments
What to Consider before Choosing Methodology for Health Science Articles
You need to consider certain elements while choosing a methodology for health science articles. Considering the right factors will make your research findings valid, reliable, and contribute value to existing health science topics.
Population size
The size of a population determines the efficiency of a particular research design, sampling tool, or data collection technique. Larger populations might need advanced sampling methods backed by an appropriate design to retrieve useful and representative information for research.
Sample size
Correct sampling of units will give your research valid findings that represent the entire population. The sample size for your research should be enough to measure associations and effects correctly.
Sampling technique
An appropriate sampling technique is the basis for choosing an appropriate fraction of a universe to study in your research. You need to choose a correct sampling method for a population that is suitable for your population.
This sampling method should also align with your research question and provide data you can analyze with your preferred technique. Some common sampling methods used for research in health science articles are random sampling, stratified sampling, haphazard sampling, and convenience sampling.
Instrumentation
You should also consider the right instruments for collecting, collating, sampling, and analyzing data while choosing a methodology. Some major instruments for retrieving data in a methodology include interviews, surveys, lab tests, observations, secondary information, focus groups, clinical tests/measurements, and so on. Your chosen data collection technique should influence the selection of an appropriate analytical tool.
Ensure the methods for collecting and analyzing data align with your study’s objectives and limitations. They should be appropriate for your research and available to deploy without expending too many resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Methodology for Health Science Articles
Many researchers make common mistakes when choosing the methodology for health science articles. Some of these errors include:
Poor/incomplete rationale for choosing a particular methodology
Inexperienced authors may not provide clear reasons why a methodology is best suited for a health science article. Authors who fail to spell out the rationale for their methodology run the risk of sidelining sections of their audience by providing limited information.
Poor consideration of resources
Some researchers fail to assess available resources while choosing materials and methods for research. Proper consideration of resources should include assessing timelines, available equipment, finances, and expertise. Considering all available resources makes it easy for authors to know if the selected method is feasible for health science articles.
Poor pilot testing and inadequate expert input
Pilot testing is essential to know if your methodology can produce accurate results for your health science articles. Failing to carry out a proper pilot study could result to serious problems during the research. You can easily rectify issues with the methodology, make changes efficiently, and observe reliable results with a pilot test.
Ignoring proven instrumentations
The urge to conduct a unique or new study is a major reason why writers of health science article ignore established instrumentation. In some cases, it may be unnecessary to overuse some techniques. However, it is advisable to stick with proven methods if others show signs of inconsistency in results.
Final Word
Writers of health science articles can choose the proper methodology for research by taking adequate steps. It is not an easy process to conduct unique research about health science topics with valid findings. However, following a streamlined process makes your work more comfortable and helps you avoid common mistakes.
Take advantage of all the information above to manage your resources, conduct valid research, and reach conclusions. It is also comfortable to suggest further studies to build on existing knowledge by following correct steps to choose a methodology.