food and nutrition research

SCIENCE

means knowledge
systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

“tool” that scientists or researchers use to find the answers to questions

process of thinking through the possible solutions to a problem and testing each possibility to find the best solution

RESEARCH

defined as the “careful, diligent, and exhaustive investigation of a specific subject matter, having as its aim in the advancement of mankind’s knowledge

a problem solving activity, which involves a systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic through a careful, organized and well-planned investigation of a problem, following a scientific method of inquiry

Systematic

research process

Logical

induction/deduction

Empirical

evidence based

Reductive

generalization

Replicable

methodology

Fundamental or Pure Research

purpose is the development of theories by discovering broad generalizations or principles.

Applied Research

purpose is improving a product or a process – testing theoretical concepts in actual problem situation.

Action Research

purpose is to improve practices and, at the same time, to improve those who try to improve practices; it is focused on the immediate application, not on the development of theory, not upon general application.

Historical Research

describe “what was”. It is investigating, recording, analyzing and interpreting events of the past. The purpose of this research is to discover generalizations to understand the present

Descriptive Research

describe “what is”. It is describing, analyzing and interpreting the conditions that now exist.

Experimental Research

describes “what will be” when certain variables are carefully controlled or manipulated.

Upstream

implemented at national level

Midstream

production of new materials based on gained knowledge for regional SCUs

Downstream

technology dissemination/demonstration at provincial level

Commodity

product development

Non-commodity

integrated discipline

Quantitative Research Strategy

Investigation aims to assess a prestated theory (Deductive Reasoning)

Often involves hypothesis testing

Attempts to minimise the influence of the researcher on the outcome

Quantitative data infers statistics

Data collection therefore requires ‘closed’ responses

Qualitative Research Strategy

Investigation aims to create a novel theory (Inductive Reasoning)

Researcher becomes an inherent part of the study - ethnography

Qualitative data infers complex statements or opinions

Data collection therefore permits ‘open’ responses

Epistemology

How should we be attempting to assess knowledge

Positivism

explain a phenomena

Interpretivism

understand a phenomena

Ontology

Does the data exist in a tangible or an intangible form?

Objectivism

explain independent external outcomes

Constructionism

understand how social factors interact

positivistic and objectivistic ontology

Study in the natural sciences often requires a

interpretive and constructionist ontology

Study in the social sciences often requires an

REDUCTIONISM

is the practice of analyzing and describing a complex phenomenon in terms of phenomena that are held to represent a simpler or more fundamental level, especially when this is said to provide a sufficient explanation

RESEARCH DESIGNS

“objective, accurate, systematic analysis of a determine body of empirical data, in order to discover recurring relationships among phenomena”

Objective

unbiased, unprejudiced, detached, impersonal

Accurate

strive to be definite, precise and exact.

Systematic

imply that science is methodical, thorough and regular in its procedures

Analysis

concerned with the identification and study of the component parts or elements which make up the things which you study

Determinate

there are relatively agreed-upon defined traits or boundaries which specify what kind of things or boundaries you study

RESEARCH METHOD

simply a technique for collecting data. Choice of research method reflects decisions about the type of instruments or techniques to be used.

BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH METHODS

METHODS include: 1) Chemical, Mechanical, Mathematical and Computer Simulations; 2) In-vitro tests; 3) Non-human models, 4) Human studies; 5) Epidemiological Studies

FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH

integrate the effects of the physical and chemical qualities of food on the totality of nutrient intake and promotion of well-being as well as understand the impacts of various diets and related nutritional interventions underpinning health

EPIDEMIOLOGY

is derived from the Greeks words: epi “upon”, demos “people” and logos “study”. This broad definition of epidemiology can be further elaborated

NUTRITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

assessment of diet and its relationship to disease etiology in populations. The study of dietary determinants of disease.