SGLK20001U Health Research Methodology

The course introduces the principal theoretical and methodological approaches used in global health research; with a focus on research design, project development and execution. The aim is to develop the ability of the student to critically assess and apply the appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative research method(s) for addressing specific research questions in global health, while at the same time respecting international and national regulations, declarations and ethics in global health research.

The course addresses mixed methods research in terms of the rational for use as well as basic study designs for integrating qualitative and quantitative research approaches in global health studies.

Teaching in quantitative methods will build on the student’s pre-requisite knowledge of the basic principles of statistics and epidemiology. The course will cover general study designs and methods for primary and secondary data collection - including definition of variables; target populations; sampling; and sample size calculation. Central issues on data management, analyses and validation are also addressed during the course.

Teaching in qualitative methods will build on the student’s pre-requisite knowledge of the basic characteristics and methods of qualitative research and provide insight into different study methodologies and approaches, e.g. ethnography and phenomenology. The course covers theoretical and analytical conceptualization of qualitative research, development of research tools and introduction to different approaches to analysis and application or development of theory.

Selected types of literature review will be covered. Specifically, the basic methodological approach to systematic reviews of health interventions is introduced, including frameworks for identifying research questions (e.g. PICO) and data synthesis (including meta-analysis) as well as tools for critical assessment of the reviewed studies and for grading the certainty of evidence (e.g. GRADE).

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 steps of the research process.

The course will present an opportunity to work in cross-disciplinary project teams and consciously develop skills in maintaining an effective team work process. In an integrated approach, the students will develop their competencies in constructive research communication and in providing formative feedback to team members and other peers.