The module equips you with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate, analyse, and interpret quantitative research evidence to inform practice, policies, and future research across different settings.
This module will equip you with a robust foundation in quantitative research methodologies applicable to health research and professional practice. You will be empowered with the critical knowledge and skills essential for conducting, appraising, interpreting, and communicating quantitative research findings in the field of health.
Through an exploration of research designs, statistical measures and concepts, and data collection and analysis techniques, you will develop the competencies to identify appropriate quantitative approaches to address real-world health challenges, to practice evidence-based decision-making, and communicate research findings effectively.
The module uses a variety of learning approaches including recorded lectures, resources including study guides, discussion boards, virtual classrooms, and self-directed and peer learning. Active learning is promoted through practical exercises, discussion of case studies, review of published research, interactive individual, and group activities.
In addition to written feedback on submitted assignments, quizzes and work-through exercises are used throughout the module to provide continuous formative feedback.
Study materials and resources, including access to reading lists, e-portfolio, library, and links to external resources, are provided to students within the LSTM Virtual Learning Environment.
The module is assessed by:
85% - 000-word critical review of epidemiological evidence and quantitative data analysis related to a key global health issue in a particular context and one piece of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material (15%).
Timely engagement with studies and participation in activities is strongly encouraged, as well as student-driven contacts with the module’s convenors and tutors regarding academic questions and issues.
This module provides an introduction to quantitative research methodologies and the hierarchy of evidence. The module covers the essential quantitative research ethics and methods, their strengths and limitations, and appropriateness to answer a particular research question within the context of global health. The module provides students with the basic concepts in statistics, understanding of how to summarise data, quantify diseases and associated risks. The module also enables students to search for, critically appraise and synthesise evidence, and form a critical review of existing research.
The core topics of this module include:
• Fundamental concepts in quantitative research in the context of health research, including epidemiological and statistical terminology, study designs, their strengths, and limitations as well as ethics in research.
• Types of data, data collection tools and data presentation
• Measures and comparisons of disease frequency
• Measures of association
• Developing structured research questions
• Quantitative research methodologies, study designs (descriptive, observational analytic, experimental)
• Principles of sampling and data analysis
• Statistical inference; bias, chance, and confounding
• Critical appraisal of research literature
• Reviewing the literature: synthesising findings from quantitative research
• Interpreting and reporting epidemiological data