Quantitative Health Research Methods

CPD courses are delivered at the Queen's Campus, Stockton through short 4-5 day intensive classroom teaching blocks.

Module Description:

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The course provides an overview of common quantitative health service research designs with training in basic statistics and epidemiological reasoning. It will provide students with the ability to critically appraise published literature in quantitative health research and design quantitative research projects.

Content

• Origins of quantitative research methods
• Basic data types, distributions and analyses
• Common analyses: preparation, comparisons
• Common analyses: correlation, statistical tests
• Epidemiological methods and reasoning
• Observational Studies
• Diagnostic tests
• Experimental studies
• Systematic reviews

Learning OutcomesSubject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of module students will have an understanding of:
• The variety of quantitative research techniques commonly used in health-related research
• Critical skills necessary to appraise the validity and usefulness of published research
• Handling and basic statistical analysis of data applied to common health research analyses
• Strengths and weaknesses of different designs, in terms of their vulnerability to forms of bias.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Use of SPSS to conduct basic statistical analysis
• Critical appraisal skills

Key Skills:

• Managing and manipulating data
• Using statistical methods appropriately within research
• The ability to organise data, abstract meaning from information and share knowledge at an advanced level
• The ability to select and use appropriate advanced numerical techniques
• Enhanced ability to make effective use of Communication and Information Technology

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lecturing - Outlines key quantitative research methods, their strengths and weaknesses - Explains the basic components of each technique
• Tutorials conducted as Self-Paced Learning - Workbooks, including reading and practical exercises will help students to work through concepts in more detail, encouraging group working, peer support and developing inter-professional working skills. Support will be available and provided throughout tutorials as required.
• Computer/practical classes - allow students to develop skills using common statistical packages for quantitative analysis
• Independent study, research and analysis - Focuses student knowledge more deeply by pursuing aspects of the module that are of special interest to themselves and exploring specific applications in their field of study.
• Essay assessment will test students' critical knowledge and understanding of key concepts, their ability to argue coherently and communicate effectively in writing, and to reflectively assess their proficiency in thinking through how the various quantitative research methods can be best utilised in understanding research questions in health.

Teaching Methods and Contact Hours:

Introduction to statistics - Integrated Lecture/ Seminar/Tutorial/Practical 1-day sessional for a total hours per day = 7

Integrated sessions: Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial = 10 over 5 concentrated days of 3 hours per day totalling 30hrs

Self-paced learning = 10 to be done weekly for 2 hours totalling 20hrs

Independent study = Student determines but should meet a total of 93hrs

Total number of study hours = 150

Summative Assessment:

Assignment of 3500 words weight 100%

Formative Assessment:

Feedback on exercises provided in workbooks plus a 2500 paper on aspects of critically appraising research.

Attendance at all activities will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University