Thesis: How to conduct Evidence-Based Research – MDS PG student Special

In the world of academia and scientific research, evidence-based practice is highly valued. It involves using the most current and reliable evidence to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. It is a compulsory requirement for most post graduate students to get the degree. But whether you’re a student, researcher, or professional in any field, mastering the art of evidence-based research is essential. In this article, I will guide you through the basic process of conducting evidence-based research effectively.

Understanding Evidence-Based Research

Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what evidence-based research entails. At its core, evidence-based research involves gathering relevant information from reliable sources and using that information to make informed decisions. This approach ensures that your conclusions are based on solid evidence – rather than personal bias or unsupported claims.

Parts of a Thesis

When conducting evidence-based research, one common form of presenting your findings is through a thesis. A thesis is a comprehensive document that presents your research question, methodology, analysis, and conclusions. The more accurate term for a thesis at MDS post-graduate level is a ‘final dissertation’. It typically consists of several key parts:

1. Title Page: The title page includes the title of your thesis, your name, the date of submission, and other relevant information.
2. Abstract: The abstract provides a concise summary of your thesis, highlighting the main objectives, methods used, results obtained, and conclusions drawn.
3. Introduction: The introduction sets the context for your research by providing background information on the topic and stating the research problem or question you aim to address.
4. Review of Literature: The literature review examines existing studies and publications related to your research topic. It helps establish the current state of knowledge in the field and identifies gaps that your study aims to fill.
5. Materials & Methods: The methodology section describes how you conducted your study or experiments. It includes details on the type of study, data collection methods, sample selection criteria (if applicable), instruments/equipments used for measurement or observation, and any statistical analyses performed.
6. Results: In this section, you present the findings from your study or experiments in an organized manner using tables, graphs, or descriptive text.
7. Discussion: The discussion section interprets and analyzes the results obtained in relation to previous studies and theoretical frameworks. It emphasis on the relevance of your research in today’s scenario. It also addresses any limitations or weaknesses in the study design or data collection process.
8. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main findings of your research and their implications for theory or practice. It may also suggest areas for future research based on identified gaps or unanswered questions.
9. References: The references section lists all sources cited within your thesis using a specific citation style (e.g., APA or MLA).
10. Appendices (optional): Appendices contain additional materials that are not essential to the main body of the thesis but provide supplementary information, such as raw data, survey questionnaires, or interview transcripts.

By including these key parts in your thesis, you can present your evidence-based research in a clear and structured manner. Remember to follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your institution or department when preparing your thesis.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Evidence-Based Research

All evidence based researches are conducted under the supervision of a mentor called as the ‘research guide’. Your research guide will support you through this intensive process and all steps are subjected to his/her approval. Please note that collaborative process from research to publication is such that the ground work will be done by you – the guide is only for supporting/mentoring.

1. Identify your research question: Start by clearly defining your research question or problem statement. This will serve as a guiding principle throughout the entire research process.
2. Conduct a comprehensive literature review: A literature review involves searching for existing studies and publications related to your research question. Use academic databases, journals, and reputable online sources to gather relevant information.
3. Evaluate the quality of sources: Not all sources are created equal when it comes to credibility and reliability. Evaluate each source based on factors such as author credentials, peer-review process, publication date, and methodology used.
4. Analyze and synthesize the gathered information: Once you have collected enough data from credible sources, analyze and synthesize the information to identify patterns, trends, or gaps in existing knowledge. You may need the help of a biostatistician at this stage.
5. Draw conclusions based on evidence: Using the analyzed data, draw logical conclusions that are supported by the available evidence. Avoid making assumptions or generalizations without sufficient backing.
6. Implement findings into practice: If your research has practical implications, consider how you can implement your findings into real-world scenarios. This step is crucial for bridging the gap between research and application.
7. Continuously update your knowledge: Evidence-based research is an ongoing process that requires staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in your field. Regularly review new studies, attend conferences, and engage in discussions to enhance your understanding.
8. Publication: The natural progression and a definitive end to your research process is submitting your findings to a suitable publication, and ensuring your research is printed as literature for the future generations.

Benefits of Evidence-Based Research

Adopting evidence-based research practices offers several benefits:

• Improved decision-making: By relying on solid evidence, you can make more informed decisions that are backed by data rather than intuition or personal biases.
• Enhanced credibility: Conducting evidence-based research adds credibility to your work, making it more likely to be accepted by peers and experts in your field.
• Increased impact: When your research is based on reliable evidence, it has a higher chance of making a significant impact within your industry or academic community.
• Continuous growth: Engaging in evidence-based research allows you to continuously expand your knowledge and stay at the forefront of developments in your field.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of evidence-based research is essential for anyone involved in academia or scientific inquiry. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can ensure that your research is based on credible evidence and contributes meaningfully to your field. Embrace evidence-based practice as a guiding principle and watch as it strengthens the impact of your work!