Syllabus
Graduate Programs in Public Health
GPH 719 Research Methods – Spring A 2016
Credits - 3
Description
This course is designed to introduce core topics necessary to understand and conduct scientific research – particularly in the public health field. Students will work to understand the importance of proper study and experimental design, paying particular attention to formulating appropriate specific aims. Foundational issues in sampling, data collection and structure, survey design and administration, and analytic interpretation will be covered.
Course Format:
This course will be delivered through a web-based format and is designed for completion online. Within each of the eight modules, there are reading assignments, web-based projects, written assignments, and discussion questions or case studies. The weekly modules will be made available by 12:01 AM on Wednesdays.
Materials
Assignments
Discussion Board:
Each student is expected to post at least twice each week. One post should be an original contribution to the discussion. A second or sequential post should be in response to a classmate’s post. Initial discussion posts must be submitted by Sunday at 11:59 pm. For most weeks, that means you must have completed the reading by this time. At least one response post must be completed by Wednesday at 11:59 pm of the week the question is assigned.
Module 2: Literature Review
In Module 1 you developed research questions for your research strategy proposal. In Module 2 you will conduct a literature review related to the research questions you identified. The literature review will help you select a focus for your proposal, provide context for your proposal, and justify the need for your proposal.
Use the provided template and find 5-7 key peer-reviewed articles (make sure one published within the past 1 to 2 years) related to your research questions. Consider the questions addressed by the studies, the kinds of studies these articles are calling for, and review your original research questions from week 1. Once you have reviewed your articles, select research question that will be the best to develop a study around (you may need to make adjustments to the original question). State your primary question, and explain why it is an important question to answer in a study.
Module 3: Study Design
In Module 2 you decided on the focus for your Research Proposal. In Module 3 you will choose the study design. The focus for Module 3 has been on different kinds of study designs. Review the module information and decide which study design would answer your research question.
In a short (500 word) paper, identify a study design for your project, and explain why the design is appropriate for answering your research question(s). Be sure to mention limitations associated with the design, and how you might address those in your study. Make sure to support your claims with ideas that have been covered in the course so far.
Quiz: Modules 1-3
In Module 4 you will complete a quiz on the material you read in Modules 1 through 3.
Quiz: Modules 4-6
In Module 6 you will complete a quiz on the material you read in Modules 4 through 6.
Final Project: Research Strategy Proposal
The goal of this course is to equip you with the tools necessary to read and critique scientific literature, and to develop a working knowledge of the “anatomy” of a research project. To assess these skills the final project for this course will be the the creation of a Research Strategy Proposal.
In this final paper you will pull together all of the work you have done in the course toward developing a research concept. This assignment is based on the same guidelines (known as the SF424) you would use if you were to submit a research proposal to NIH or other federal PHS agency.
You can see the full SF 424 guidelines document here, including descriptions of each section on pages 131-136: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/SF424_RR_Guide_General_VerC.pdf In this assignment, you will only be writing specific aims and research strategy sections. Below is a simplified version of the SF424 guidelines.
Review the Final Project Document for a simplified version of the SF424 guidelines and for more information on the assignment expectations.
Completion of CITI Training
The CITI Human Subjects Protection course must be completed by the last day of the course, but can be started immediately.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Discussion Boards | 12 at 2 points each = 24 points |
| Written Assignment 1: Literature Review | 13 |
| Written Assignment 2: Study Design | 13 |
| Quizzes | 2 at 5 points each = 10 |
| Final Project: Research Strategy Proposal | 30 |
| CITI Training | 10 |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Weeks
- Week 1: January 6 – January 13
- Week 2: January 13 – January 20
- Week 3: January 20 – January 27
- Week 4: January 27 – February 3
- Week 5: February 3 – February 10
- Week 6: February 10 – February 17
- Week 7: February 17 – February 24
- Week 8: February 24 – February 28 (Sunday)
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to Research Methods
Module Objectives:
- Analyze a public health case using course terminology.
- Develop research questions for a potential research project.
- Understand ethical issues in research for application in future projects.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapters 1, 2, 4, 21, & 22
- Gawande, Atul “A Lifesaving Checklist” The New York Times
- Nosowsky, Rachel “Quality Improvement or Research? Implications of OHRP’s Response to the Keystone: ICU Project“
- Oxford University: PICO Examples
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Introduction and potential research questions
- Discussion: The purpose of IRBs
- Get started on the CITI training course
Module 2: Measurement, Validity, and Reliability
Module Objectives:
- Examine a study for its theory of measurement.
- Examine a study’s reliability and validity using the concepts learned in the module.
- Analyze current knowledge on a proposed topic and identify gaps that would allow for further research.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapters 3 & 7
- Research Knowledge Base:
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Difference between reliability and validity
- Written Assignment: Literature Review for the final project
Module 3: Study Design
Module Objectives:
- Review a research article’s design and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
- Identify potential limitations in a study by using knowledge of measurement, study designs, and validity/reliability.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapters 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14
- Research Knowledge Base: Design
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Potential threats to internal or external validity
- Discussion: Study design analysis
- Written Assignment: Identify a study design for the final project.
Module 4: Surveys, Gathering and Interpreting Data
Module Objectives:
- Identify different types of data that are appropriate for a specific research question.
- Examine common statistical techniques for interpreting data.
- Establish techniques for data analysis based upon research design.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: 18, 19, 26, 27, & 28
- Video: Choosing Which Statistical Test to Use
- Laerd Statistics: Types of Variable
- Handout: Statistical Test Flow Chart
- Research Knowledge Base:
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Data collection for the final project
- Quiz: Modules 1-3
Module 5: Sampling and Sample Size
Module Objectives:
- Investigate potential problems regarding sample size.
- Determine the appropriate sample size for a chosen study to understand the process.
- Discuss potential sampling strategies for different types of studies.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapters 15, 16, & 17
- Kaplan et al., Big Data and Large Sample Size: A Cautionary Note of the Potential for Bias (Click on “PDF Full Text”)
- Research Methods Knowledge Base: Sampling
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Statistical and ethical considerations for getting a study’s sample size right.
- Discussion: Calculate the sample size for your Final Project using G*Power sample size calculator.
Module 6: Database Management
Module Objectives:
- Recognize the importance of proper database management.
- Examine common descriptive techniques for displaying data.
- Assess a study’s database management methods for their appropriateness.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapter 25
- CDC: Data Collection Guide and Template
- National Institutes of Health: Data Sharing Policy and Implementation Guidance
- Video: NYU Health Sciences Library, “Data Sharing and Management Snafu“
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Database management case study analysis
- Quiz: Modules 4-6
- Reminder: Next week the Final Project is due
Module 7: Dissemination
Module Objectives:
- Review different ways to disseminate findings fro a study.
- Develop ways to disseminate findings for a specific research project.
Readings:
- Jacobsen: Chapters 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, & 36
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Dissemination Planning Tool
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Create a plan to disseminate your final project
- Final Project Submission: Research Strategy Proposal
Module 8: Applied Research Fields
Module Objectives:
- Review several key fields of health research and their connections to the concepts discussed in this course.
- Examine research frameworks and make connections to the concepts discussed in this course.
- Evaluate an article using the methods learned throughout the course.
Readings:
- Harris, et al. (1999) “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Effects of Remote, Intercessory Prayer on Outcomes in Patients Admitted to the Coronary Care Unit.” Archives of Internal Medicine.
Lecture:
Assignments:
- Discussion: Which applied research fields and your Final Project
- Discussion: Letter to the editor
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Public Health page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Blackboard/Brightspace.
- Public Health Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/public-health/
- Library Tutorial: Find an article
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
UNE Student Academic Success Center
UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. The SASC also offers tutoring for GPH 712 Epidemiology, GPH 716 Biostatistics, GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology, GPH 718 Biostatistics II, and GPH 719 Research Methods. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:
Information Technology Services (ITS)
- ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Policies
AMA Writing Style Statement
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
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the Turnitin Student quick start guide.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Late Policy
Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.
Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.
Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, 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 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 https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- 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.
Attendance Policy
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 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:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- 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.