Syllabus

Schedule

Course Weeks

• Week 1: June 27 – July 4
• Week 2: July 4 – July 11
• Week 3: July 11 – July 18
• Week 4: July 18 – July 25
• Week 5: July 25 – August 1
• Week 6: August 1 – August 8
• Week 7: August 8 – August 15
• Week 8: August 15 – August 19 (Sunday)

Course Schedule

The assignment/discussion descriptions mentioned below are summaries. Please make sure to review the full assignment prompts in Blackboard.  There may be additional readings/videos that are not mentioned in this weekly summary, make sure to carefully review the modules in Blackboard. 

Module 1: Introduction to Research Methods

Module Objectives: 

• Identify key steps in the health promotion research process.
• Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research and data
• Formulate a health promotion research topic and question using existing qualitative and quantitative data.
• Apply measurement concepts to identify potential study limitations. 
• Complete CITI Training
• Describe the process for conducting ethical health research.

Readings: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 1, pgs. 3-22
  • Chpt. 3, pgs. 45-77
• Cheng HG, Phillips MR.  Secondary analysis of existing data: Opportunities and implementation. Shanghai Arch Psychiatry. 2014; 26(6): 371-375. 
• Heaton J. Secondary analysis of qualitative data: An overview. Hist Soc Res. 2008; 33(3), 33-45.
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question 

Lecture:

• Course Introduction
• Week 1 Lecture, parts 1 and 2

Assignments: 

• Discussion: Research Question

  Original Post:

  Using the materials presented in the learning module and the final project resources folder (i.e., data overview and data codebook), Identify one research question that you would like to explore during your final project. In a maximum of 200 – 250 words,  As an original post, identify the following:

  1. Your proposed research topic
  2. At least one refined research question
  3. How your proposed research question was chosen (be descriptive about your process)
  4. Why the topic is important to address, and
  5. Briefly identify the feasibility of addressing the research question using the data you’ve chosen  

  Response Post:

  In the discussion board, comment on at least one of your group member’s research topic, research question, and rationale.  Your feedback should include both positive and constructive feedback.  In a maximum of 200 – 250 words, include detailed, and descriptive feedback related to:

  1. Strengths and weaknesses of their approach, topic, and proposed research question
  2. Similarities and differences between your proposed ideas and your colleague’s proposed ideas
  3. Possible enhancements to their proposed research question
  4. Suggestions for addressing weaknesses
  5. Descriptive feedback outlining why or how a particular component of your colleague’s approach, topic, and proposed research question is a strength

• CITI Training

  The primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research activities being conducted under its authority. The UNE Assurance for the Protection of Human Subjects prohibits the start of any research, including the recruitment of subjects, that has not been reviewed and approved by the IRB.   Successful completion of the CITI training is required for faculty-level principal investigators, all students, and graduate level research staff, in advance of your IRB submission. Whether you are conducting human subjects research as part of a course project, your thesis or final capstone, Integrative Learning Experience (ILE), it is important to be complete CITI training and ensure that your certification remains current.  

  Instructions

  Please review UNE’s CITI Training guidance page for conducting research with human subjects at the institution. After reviewing the guidelines and completing the registration steps, complete the required modules for the Social & Behavioral Research Investigators – Basic Course in its entirety and upload your CITI Completion Certificate.

  Tip:  The Social & Behavioral Research Investigators – Basic Course provides excellent training with the opportunity to test your new knowledge by completing quizzes.  It is best to complete the course over several days, as opposed to one sitting.  To maximize your success, it is recommended to start early, take frequent breaks, and complete the course in smaller, more manageable blocks of time.

Module 2: Fundamentals of Health Promotion Research

Module Objectives:

• Identify and distinguish the different qualitative research strategies and methods for health promotion
• Identify and distinguish the different observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental research designs used in health promotion research
• Discuss the principles of sampling
• Describe the process for conducting ethical health research
• Compose clear research study specific aims and hypotheses

Readings:

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 4, pgs. 81-114
  • Chpt. 5, pgs. 115-146
  • Chpt. 6, pgs. 115-146
  • Chpt. 7, pgs. 178-205
  • Chpt. 8, pgs. 209-255
• Monte AA, Libby AM. Introduction to the specific aims page of a grant proposal. Acad Emerg Med. 2018;  Apr 2.

Lecture: 

• Week 2 Lecture, parts 1, 2 and 3

Assignments:

• Discussion: Study Design Critique

  Original Post:

  Using the “original study background” document in the Final Project folder, discuss the original research design used in the Indirect Harm and Positive Consequences Associated with Cannabis Use study you’re working with for the final project.  In an original post of no more than 200-250 words, briefly describe:

  1. The research design used in the original study to answer the overall research question and how you determined what the research design is.
  2. At least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses of the research design.
  3. An alternate research design that would enhance the original research study and briefly explain your rationale.  Be sure to include applicable concepts from module 1 in your assessment.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, present a brief, critical evaluation of at least one of your colleague’s assessment of the original research design. In your evaluation, identify whether or not you agree with your colleague’s assessment, explain why and identify any missing information if applicable. Provide 1 additional strength and weakness to his or her list.  Then, comment on your colleague’s recommendation for an alternate research design approach, specifically addressing the strengths and weaknesses of their proposed design.  Be sure to include applicable concepts from module 1, in your assessment.

• Specific Aims Page

  Writing a Specific Aims Page:

  A vast majority of research projects are formally supported through grant funding.  The iterative development of a specific aims page is one of the first steps in grant writing process.  Using the research topic and question(s) you’ve proposed for your final project, develop a specific aims page that will serve as a concept sheet and master plan for your research with project milestones, hypotheses, and the most important elements of the approach. The specific aims section should be no more than one page in length (not including references) and should be written with the mission of a funding agency (i.e., National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, or another funding agency) in mind.  

Module 3: Applications of Health Promotion Research Methods

Module Objectives:

• Describe basic principles of engaging study samples
• Identify and describe assessment issues in cross-sectional and prospective studies
• Recognize the design, implementation, and reporting considerations of Randomized Controlled Trials
• Explain various methods of conducting survey research
• Compose the first part of the scientific manuscript methods section 

Readings:

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt.  9, pgs. 81-114
  • Chpt. 10, pgs. 115 -146
  • Chpt. 12, pgs. 337 – 365
  • Chpt. 13, pgs. 367 – 393
• Azevedo LF, Canário-Almeida F, Fonseca JA, Costa-Pereira A, Winck JC, & Hespanhol V (2011). How to write a scientific paper—Writing the methods section. Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia, 17(5), 232-238.

Lecture:

• Week 3 Lecture

Assignments: 

• Discussion: Materials and Methods Section A

  Original Post:

  Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. Post your materials and methods (section A) along with your reference list as a new discussion thread. Please see Final Project Manuscript Materials and Methods Section A assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your colleague’s materials and methods (section A).  Please give positive and constructive feedback.  As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement.  Compare and contrast your methods (section A) with your colleagues’.

• Materials and Methods Section A

  Instructions: 

  You will receive peer and instructor feedback on your materials and methods section.  In addition to posting your materials and methods (section A) and applicable references to this week’s discussion board, upload a copy as an assignment for instructor feedback. The Materials and Methods section is a critical part of the manuscript. It should describe exactly what you did in the study. 

  In 1,000 words or less, describe your research study in sufficient detail so that a skilled investigator in the field could replicate the study. If you include information from previously published methodology describing the original study, appropriate reference should be supplied. Include information addressing ethical approvals and standards.  Then, describe your study population in explicit detail.  Describe the necessary details regarding your research design including the randomization process, if applicable. Be sure to describe how the study was conducted and be certain to include all of the measurements that will be reported in the results. 

  After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary. Upload your materials and methods A section and a reference list of all applicable sources included in the methods section as a Word document, titled:  Materials and Methods A_Your Name, formatted in AMA style (10th edition).

Module 4: Data Analysis: Getting Results

Module Objectives:

• Determine if and how apparent differences in approach might influence your work and be resolved
• Determine the appropriateness of a selected method or methods, based on the question(s) being asked and cost-effectiveness
• Infer how software can be used to assist in mixed methods analysis tasks
• Compose the data analysis portion of the scientific manuscript methods section

Readings:

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 14, pgs. 398-428
  • Chpt. 15, pgs. 430-454
  • Chpt. 16, pgs. 455-481

• Overview of Mixed Methods Research:
  • Doyle L, Brady AM, Byrne G. An overview of mixed methods research. J Res Nurs. 2009; 14: 175

• Mixed Methods Study Design:
  • Cameron R. Mixed methods research: The five ps framework. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods. 2011;9(2):96-108. 
  • Turner SF, Cardinal LB, Burton RM. Research design for mixed methods: A triangulation-based framework and roadmap. Organ Res Method. 2015.

• Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting Results of Mixed Data Sources and Analysis:
  • O’Cathain A, Murphy E, Nicholl J. Three techniques for integrating data in mixed methods studies. Res Method and Report. 2010; 341:4587

Lecture: 

• Week 4 Lecture, parts 1 and 2

Assignments:

• Discussion: Materials and Methods Section B

  Original Post:

  Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. Post your materials and methods (section B) along with your reference list as a new discussion thread. Please see Final Project Manuscript Materials and Methods Section B assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your group member’s materials and methods (section B). Please give positive and constructive feedback. As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement. Compare and contrast your methods section, paying special attention to the analysis plan.

• Materials and Methods Section B

  Instructions: 

  You will receive peer and instructor feedback on your materials and methods section.  In addition to posting your materials and methods (section B) and applicable references to this week’s discussion board, upload a copy as an assignment for instructor feedback.  Note:  The materials and methods (section B) should be the expanded version of your materials and methods (section A) from week 3 and should now include a detailed description of your data analysis plan and should be 1,500 words or less. 

  Describe in sufficient detail the statistical methods used for the study data analysis, including descriptive statistics and methods for statistical inference. This section should have a close link to the aims of the study and should precisely establish what will be presented in the results section. 

  After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary. Upload your materials and methods A section and a reference list of all applicable sources included in the methods section as a Word document, titled:  Materials and Methods B_Your Name, formatted in AMA style (10th edition).  

• Week 4 Quiz

Module 5: Qualitative Data Analysis

Module Objectives: 

• Design an ATLAS.it dataset
• Define qualitative concepts, patterns, codes, and themes through data analysis
• Describe the process of codebook development and data coding
• Describe the process used for interpreting qualitative data in health promotion research
• Present mixed methods results

Readings: 

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 16, pgs. 482-489
• Leech NL. Writing mixed research reports.  Am Behav Sci. 2012; 56(6) 866-881 doi:  10.1177/0002764211433800
• Fetters MD, Freshwater D.  Publishing a methodological mixed methods research article. J Mix Methods Res. 2015; 9(3) 203–213 doi: 10.1177/1558689815594687

Lecture: 

• Week 5 Lecture

Assignments: 

• Discussion: Results Section

  Original Post:

  Please submit your section to the initial post, realizing that it may be adjusted (on your own or based on peer feedback) by the end of the week. In a new discussion thread, post your mixed methods results section along with your tables, figures, and graphs (if applicable). Please see Results Section assignment instructions for details. Your assignment will need to be completed before participating in the discussion post.

  Response Post:

  In your response post, comment on at least one of your colleague’s results section.  Please give positive and constructive feedback.  As much as possible, provide your colleague with concrete recommendations for improvement.  Compare and contrast your actual results, your results section narrative, and your table, figures, and graphs (if applicable), paying special attention to the accuracy of the results and the visual representation.

• Results Section

  Instructions: 

  The results are the second most important part of your manuscript and will include both a narrative description of the results and any data visualizations you decide to include (i.e., tables, figures, graphs, etc.). Now that you have described what you did (the Materials and Methods), you should next describe what you found. The organization of the results should be parallel to the organization of the methods. Start by describing your population: how many participants were included in your analyses, demographics of the individual groups, etc. Then describe the outcome(s) of your primary variable(s). Do not interpret the results – that is the purpose of the Discussion Section. After reviewing peer feedback you received in the discussion board, make any adjustments you deem necessary.

Module 6: Disseminating your Research Findings

Module Objectives:

• Compose an informative scientific discussion section
• Select a publication outlet for disseminating research
• Prepare a journal cover letter 

Readings: 

• Sanli Ö, Erdem S, Tefik T. How to write a discussion section? Turkish Journal of Urology. 2013;39:20.
• Warlick SE, Vaughan KTL. Factors influencing publication choice: Why faculty choose open access. Biomedical Digital Libraries. 2007;4:1-1.
• Chaloux K. Choosing the right journal for your manuscript: 4 steps to finding the right “fit”. The Wiley Network website https://hub.wiley.com/community/exchanges/discover/blog/2016/02/02/choosing-the-right-journal-for-your-manuscript-4-steps-to-finding-the-right-fit?referrer=exchanges
• MacDonald NE, Ford-Jones L, Friedman JN, Hall J. Preparing a manuscript for publication: A user-friendly guide. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2006;11:339-342.
• Mudrak B. Writing a journal cover letter. American Journal Experts website https://www.aje.com/en/arc/writing-cover-letter/

Lecture:

• Week 6 Lecture

Assignment:

• Discussion Section

  Instructions:  

  The discussion section of a mixed methods manuscript is not very different from that of a quantitative research manuscript. One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind is that the interpretations of the data need to be synthesized in a way that they don’t move away from or go beyond your data. 

  Compose the discussion section of your mixed methods manuscript. Compare your findings with existing literature to show how other studies confirm or differ from your findings, explain the limitations of your study, and present the implications the study has for policy or practice and directions for future research. Remember that your arguments should be based on the data that you have presented in the Results section. 

Module 7: Funding your Research

Module Objectives:

• Identify the components of a high-quality mixed methods proposal for successful fellowship, career, training, and center grant applications
• Review components of an NIH R Series plan that incorporates mixed methods research
• Understand the NIH grant review process
• Describe the requirements for composing key sections of a typical grant application
• Learn strategies for writing an effective research funding proposal

Readings:

• Research Methods in Health Promotion Textbook (RMHP):
  • Chpt. 18, pgs. 525-559
• Creswell JW, Klassen C, Plano Clark VL, Clegg Smith, K, and Assistance of a Specially Appointed Working Group. Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences. The Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). 27-35

Lecture: 

• Week 7 Lecture

Assignment:

• Introduction Section

  Instructions:  

  The introduction section of a scientific manuscript is your opportunity to introduce the main scientific publications on which your work is based, citing original and important works, including recent review articles.
  Compose your manuscript introduction section.  Be sure to organize your introduction from the global to the particular point of view, guiding the readers to your research objectives when writing this paper.  Ensure that your introduction is the starting point of our manuscript and creates a logical flow to your methods section by presenting your hypothesis and objectives at the end of the introduction.

Module 8: The Big Picture

Module Objectives: 

• Prepare a full scientific manuscript and cover letter 
• Outline possible career paths related to health promotion research

Readings:

• The Role of Professional Epidemiology in Public Health Practice 
• Day in the Life: Public Health & Bioinformatics 
• Why do we conduct research? – Research Summit 2016
• Wold B, Mittelmark MB. Health-promotion research over three decades: The social-ecological model and challenges in implementation of interventions. Scandinavian journal of public health. 2018 Feb;46(20_suppl):20-6.

Lecture: 

• Week 8 Lecture

Assignment:

• Final Manuscript with Cover Letter

  Instructions:  

  Submit your revised final manuscript and cover letter.  Be sure to consider the feedback you’ve received over the course of the term and use both the UNE Public Health Quarterly journal authorship guidelines and final project instruction document to guide your overall process.

 

See Blackboard for additional resources and readings

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The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.

Online resources: AMA Style Guide

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The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

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Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.