SGLK13004U Advanced Research Methods and Ethics

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Global Health - compulsory
Content

The course uses a problem-based approach to introduce the principal concepts and methodological techniques used in global health research; with a focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as methods for completion of evidence-based reviews. The aim is to develop the ability of the student to critically discuss, select, and apply the appropriate method(s) for addressing specific research questions in global health, while at the same time respecting international and national regulations and declarations on research in relation to health.

Teaching in quantitative methods will build on the student’s pre-requisite knowledge of the basic principles of statistics. The course will cover methods for registry (secondary data) and field-based (primary) data collection - including definition of outcomes and variables; target population; sampling; sample size calculation; and questionnaire design. Central issues on data management, validation, and analyses using statistical software (e.g. SPSS or R) are also covered during the course.

Teaching in qualitative methods will build on the student’s existing knowledge of the basic concepts of anthropological and sociological research. In addition, application of qualitative research methods in communication studies and political science related to global health will be taught. The course covers the principal methods for field–based data collection including focus group discussions; key informant interviews; participant observation and oral history; data management; and field note analysis (including use of statistical software).

The course will provide an introduction to the mixed methods approach in terms of the rationale for use, common procedures, and limitations.

The basic methodological approach to evidence-based reviews of health interventions is introduced, including search strategies for secondary data; pre-determined inclusion criteria for eligibility and quality of identified data; specification of outcomes and indicators; as well as narrative and statistical data analysis (including meta-analysis).

In addition, the course covers the basic principles and statutes on research ethics addressing the considerations and challenges of ensuring good research practice at each of the main stages of the research process. An introduction to good clinical and laboratory practice and quality assurance will be given; as well as patients’ rights and privacy issues in relation to health and health research.

 

Learning Outcome

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Design a feasible, as well as ethically valid, research study in global health, focused on how to: identify and formulate a relevant research problem; justify the proposed study; determine the study objectives and appropriate research method(s); collect, manage, and analyse research data and material; ensure respect to, and protection of, human subjects; address study limitations; and interpret and communicate research findings.
  • Through critical reading of relevant literature, journal clubs, and discussions of different scientific studies, evaluate the relevance and validity of scientific literature.

 

The teaching methods will include a combination of formal lectures, class and field-based group exercises and problem-related teaching and learning, case studies, essay and interview exercises and computer exercises. After December, the remainder of the course will take place as e-learning.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • E-Learning
  • 30
  • Exam
  • 40
  • Exercises
  • 15
  • Lectures
  • 45
  • Preparation
  • 60
  • Seminar
  • 16
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, 72 hours
The length of the written take-home assignment must be 9-15 pages, excl. appendixes.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student must be able to:

  • Identify and describe relevant research problems in global health, and possess knowledge of general concepts for ensuring good research practice - including ethical statutes and considerations with a special emphasis on low- and middle-income settings.
  • Critically discuss and select among relevant research methods in preparation for studies of global health problems. This includes quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as a mixed methods approach.
  • Collect, manage, and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on health and disease using appropriate analytical and statistical methods. The student must also be able to use relevant software to store, manage, and analyse both primary and secondary research data.
  • Identify and critically evaluate the relevance and validity of scientific literature and data. The student must also be able to interpret and create systematic reviews with emphasis on health interventions targeting major global health problems.
  • Design a feasible, as well as ethically valid, research study in global health with a special emphasis on low- and middle-income health problems.