Introduction to Research Methods

Description

This course is a general overview and an introduction to research. Its overall aim is to demonstrate the importance of research and highlight the fact that research in public health can be conducted even in limited-resource settings. This course allows participants to discuss the role of research in public health and development. It also allows them to describe types of research and list various steps involved in a research project. It also allows participants to decide on types of research they will choose for their projects and on their plans to conduct research. This 5-day course is intended to leave participants with confidence in their ability to independently, conduct public health research.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Explain the role of research in development
2. Compare the types of research (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods)
3. Identify and prioritize problems for research
4. Analyze a problem statement and differentiate it from a research hypothesis
5. Apply the steps involved in the research process
6. Formulate research hypotheses and null hypothesis
7. Identify Type I and Type II errors in research and their implication
8. Understand ethical issues in research conduct

Course Outline

1. Research and its importance and overall role in development
2. Research types and their uses and applications
3. Literature review and exploratory research
4. Problem analysis, identification, and prioritization
5. Formulating research hypothesis and/or research objectives
6. Null and Alternate hypotheses
7. Type I and Type II errors
8. Research process
9. Ethical considerations in human subject research

Training Delivery Methods

1. In-class method
2. Online method