HLTH09015 2021 Applied Practices in Quantitative Methods

General Details

Full Title
Applied Practices in Quantitative Methods
Transcript Title
Applied Practices in Quantitat
Code
HLTH09015
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
HLTH - Health Studies
Department
HEAL - Health & Nutritional Sciences
Level
09 - NFQ Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2021 - Full Academic Year 2021-22
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Thomas Smyth, Richeal Burns, Anne Marie Frizzell
Programme Membership
SG_SHLPM_E09 202100 Postgraduate Certificate in Health Project Management SG_SHEAL_M09 202300 Master of Science in Health Promotion and Project Management SG_SHPPM_M09 202300 Master of Science in Health Promotion and Project Management SG_SHPRP_M09 202300 Master of Science in Health Promotion and Project Management
Description

Understanding the foundations of applied quantitative methods in the area of health permits critical evaluation of quantitative analysis across the literature as well as identification and implementation of relevant quantitative tools and methods alongside health projects. Quantitative methodologies focus on “objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques.” (Babbie, Earl R. 2010) This module will provide evaluation skills in interpretation, critical appraisal and implementation of quantitative methods affording those involved in the management and implementation of health projects the skills necessary to design and enhance appropriate quantitative applications.  

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Defend the applications of quantitative methods and associated outputs in applied quantitative methods

2.

Apply critical appraisal methods of quantitative analysis in the literature 

3.

Evaluate quality in reporting of quantitative analysis and synthesis evidence

4.

Construct a valid quantitative tool for evaluation of health-related interventions

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The educational elements will be provided by the Institute of Technology Sligo 

Additional lecturing, as required, may be provided by outside specialists and practitioners as relevant across themes in the module.

Online delivery is proposed with student exposed to a blend of learning activities including synchronous (1 hour) and asynchronous (1 hour) delivery of lectures and reflective tasks. Chunking will be used providing short videos of smaller amounts of content which will be available on the moodle site. Additional materials will be provided on moodle which students are expected to review on a weekly basis with approximately 2 further hours of student contribution per week. These will inform discussion in online lectures consistent with a blended learning approach. 

All module content will be based on the principles of UDL to ensure equitable access to content and learning.

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.  

Two continuous assessment tasks will be set throughout the semester.

These will incorporate theory and practical elements which are individual based. Students will be assessed on skills in quantitative tool design and  an ability to develop a critical appraisal of evidence which demonstrates learning on the programme content including quantitative designs, interpretation of quantitative output and assessment of quality to minimise bias in inference and evidence synthesis.

Repeat Assessments

The repeat assessment strategy will  be dependent on overall grades and will be decided and documented at the Progression and Award Boards. Repeat examination will follow a similar format as applicable.

The programme allows students to progress to if they have attained the pass mark for a particular module. This policy is at the discretion of the examination board. 

Indicative Syllabus

The module will cover the following themes:

  • Quantitative methods paradigms and applications
  • Principles of quantitative  analysis and the project life cycle
  • Principles of epidemiological study design for health related interventions and initiatives.    
  • Critical appraisal methods for quantitative studies
  • Quantitative assessment tools, design, analysis and interpretation
  • Quantitative applications for  health related interventions and initiatives.  
  • Quality assessments, and ethical considerations in quantitative studies
  • Contemporary debates in quantitative design and implementation in health related interventions and initiatives.  

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Evidence critique Coursework Assessment Assignment 50 % Week 7 1,2,3
2 Quantitative tool development Coursework Assessment Assignment 50 % Week 12 1,4
             

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Online lecture 1 Weekly 1.00
Directed Learning Not Specified Asynchronous directed learning 1 Weekly 1.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Interdependent learning 5 Weekly 5.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 2.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2013-09-01 Quantitative Health Research McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN 9780335245741 ISBN-13 0335245749

This book is a detailed and comprehensive guide to undertaking quantitative health research at postgraduate and professional level. It takes you through the entire research process and will help you execute high quality quantitative research that improves and informs clinical practice. Written by a team of research experts, this book includes chapters on communicating with ethics committees, recruiting samples from vulnerable populations, audit as a research approach, quasi-experimental designs and using cognitive interviewing, making it a new and innovative offering for health researchers.

Required Reading
2015-03-09 Research Methods in Health Promotion John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118409060 ISBN-13 111840906X

The bestselling textbook to understanding health research, updated and expanded Research Methods in Health Promotion provides students and practitioners with essential knowledge and skills regarding the design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of research in the field of health promotion. Now in its second edition, this bestselling textbook has been updated with more recent research methodologies and additional information on sampling, participatory and survey research, and qualitative data analysis. The entire research process is covered, with specific points relating to both qualitative and quantitative research. By breaking the daunting process of research into simple and well-defined steps, this user-friendly text encourages students to think about research as a sequential process and provides explanations that facilitate better understanding of each step in the research process. A separate set of chapters cover the more quantitative methodological areas including designs, measurement, sampling, and data analysis in depth, giving readers the understanding they need to apply in practice. This book also provides applied chapters that illustrate the practical aspects of the research process, along with other critical information including grant writing and scientific writing. Evaluate the ethics, design, analysis, and interpretation of research Identify and understand the key components of research studies Analyze and interpret the results of experimental and survey research designs Understand the process of publishing a research report and constructing a grant proposal Research Methods in Health Promotion is ideal for both undergrad and graduate methods courses in health promotion and public health.

Required Reading
2016-02-15 Critical Appraisal from Papers to Patient Care CRC Press
ISBN 1482230453 ISBN-13 9781482230451

The ability to make a decision about whether to change practice based on the information given is a core skill for all doctors. To be able to do this quickly and efficiently is tested in all undergraduate and postgraduate medical examinations. This book is the essential resource for all those wanting to pass and excel in the critical appraisal section of their undergraduate and postgraduate medical examinations and will be a useful tool for all physicians who want a refresher on critical appraisal for revalidation.

Required Reading
2019-02-28 Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences Springer
ISBN 9811052506 ISBN-13 9789811052507

Research is defined by the Australian Research Council as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. Research is thus the foundation for knowledge. It produces evidence and informs actions that can provide wider benefit to a society. The knowledge that researchers cultivate from a piece of research can be adopted for social and health programs that can improve the health and well-being of the individuals, their communities and the societies in which they live. As we have witnessed in all corners of the globe, research has become an endeavor that most of us in the health and social sciences cannot avoid. This Handbook is conceived to provide the foundation to readers who wish to embark on a research project in order to form knowledge that they need. The Handbook comprises four main sections: Traditional research methods sciences; Innovative research methods; Doing cross-cultural research; and Sensitive research methodology and approach. This Handbook attests to the diversity and richness of research methods in the health and social sciences. It will benefit many readers, particularly students and researchers who undertake research in health and social science areas. It is also valuable for the training needs of postgraduate students who wish to undertake research in cross-cultural settings, with special groups of people, as it provides essential knowledge not only on the methods of data collection but also salient issues that they need to know if they wish to succeed in their research endeavors.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

Jack L Jr, Hayes SC, Scharalda JG, et al. Appraising quantitative research in health education: guidelines for public health educators. Health Promot Pract. 2010;11(2):161-165. doi:10.1177/1524839909353023

URL Resources
Other Resources
Additional Information

A range of national evaluation reports, study protocols and journal articles will be used to deliver content across the themes highlighted in the syllabus.