Newcastle University

Aims

This module, ‘Research Study Design and Data Interpretation’ (MCR8010), aims to familiarise students with potential designs of studies for clinical research. In particular the module aims to: familiarise students with the differences between qualitative and quantitative research; to develop familiarity and confidence with different methods of data handling; to develop skills of interpreting data, preparing for presentation and presenting itself; to facilitate effective reading and critical appraisal of published literature.

This module is delivered as e-learning via Blackboard VLE and is worth 20 cresdits. The curriculum will be delivered through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures or tutorials. Students will submit their work for assessment via the Blackboard VLE.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Quality of Life in a Clinical Setting
- Data Handling and Databases
- Statistical Analysis
- Interpretation of Results
- Interpretation of Evidence
- Presentation of Data and Evidence

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered as e-learning. The curriculum will be delivered via Blackboard VLE through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures or tutorials. Work will be submitted to Blackboard VLE for assessment. The Statistics will be assessed as an MCQ, with additional short essay questions. Students will be given formative feedback electronically. Students will be assessed through a mixture of written work – written study design, the statistics MCQ – and material for a PowerPoint presentation. These assessments will help students develop the skills to design research within their own clinical speciality; source, assimilate and critically appraise current literature; interpret and analyse research data; and be able to handle data and databases and present research data in an appropriate format.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Computer literacy and numeracy, and the ability to analyse and interpret research data, will be assessed in the statistics MCQ and in the presentation. The statistics MCQ and the presentation will allow the student to demonstrate the ability to handle data and databases and present research data in an appropriate format. Written and presentation skills will be assessed in the written work and in the submission of material for a scripted presentation. The written study design will test knowledge and understanding of different modes of clinical research through the critical appraisal and assimilation of current literature. Assessment of the the written study design will also consider the evaluation of different components of a research project and the level of appreciation of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Online activities will be used to provide instructive formative assessments of study design and feedback for the summative elements of the module.