Preprint / Version 1

The art and science of research methodology, biostatistics, manuscript writing, and publication ethics: An invigorating training for improving research aptitudes in southern Indian biomedical institutions

Authors

  • Pitchai Balakumar The Office of Research & Development, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology (Deemed to be University), Thanjavur, 613 403, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Shubhada Nagarkar Department of Library and Information Science & Centre for Publication Ethics, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411 007, Maharastra, India
  • Gangaboriah Bilagumba College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, 560 111, Karnataka, India
  • Ramesh Alluri Vishnu Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Medak Dist, Narsapur, 502313, Telangana, India
  • Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, 560 111, Karnataka, India

Keywords:

Research methodology, Hypothesis, Scientific writing, Literature search, Statistics, Publications ethics

Abstract

The basic concepts of research are learned through systematic literature searches which form the basis of a research statement and research topic. Then the research question, hypothesis, aim, and objectives, as well as the experimental design, are developed. Given the context provided, the primary focus is on the importance of adequately training postgraduates and young research investigators in research methodology and project development. It is evident that there is a lack of proper training in these areas, and the rapid expansion of colleges in India exacerbates this issue. To address this, research students must receive comprehensive instruction in scientific research methodology, experimental design, statistics, scientific writing, publishing, and research ethics. Our team has been conducting workshops and symposia for more than two decades to improve the current teaching methods in these areas. Most recently, we organized a series of national and international workshops and seminars in multiple states across India to fortify the core concepts of scientific research for students and faculty members. This report highlights the key aspects of these workshops and the positive outcomes experienced by participants. Keywords: Research methodology, Hypothesis, Scientific writing, Literature search, Statistics, Publications ethics

Author Biographies

Pitchai Balakumar, The Office of Research & Development, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology (Deemed to be University), Thanjavur, 613 403, Tamil Nadu, India

School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, 560 111, Karnataka, India

Formerly, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA

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