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Continuing Professional Development: MSc Programme Modules (London-based)

RESEARCH DESIGN & ANALYSIS (2423)

ORGANISER: Emma Slaymaker

DATES: 9 January 2012 to 8 February 2012 (9:00am Monday to 12:30pm Wednesday)


AIM
This module aims to provide practical experience of planning a research project and analyzing data using a computer. The study is intended to help students consolidate knowledge and techniques acquired in Term 1 through applying demographic, epidemiological and statistical principles to a practical problem. Students will also find the module good preparation for independent research.


OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module students should be able to:

  1. identify the steps involved in planning and conducting a research project;
  2. formulate research questions and testable hypotheses;
  3. plan a study that will test the proposed hypotheses, using an appropriate research design, sample and mode of data collection;
  4. appreciate the principles involved in designing and selecting samples for household surveys;
  5. draw conclusions from the results of data analyses, using appropriate tabulations of the data and methods of statistical analysis.


CONSTITUENCY
This module is highly recommended for MSc Demography & Health and MSc Reproductive & Sexual Health Research students.


CONCEPTUAL OUTLINE
This module attempts to clarify some of the issues involved in the design of a research project.  The emphasis is on the planning of quantitative studies but the research methodology is generally applicable.  Research theory and hypothesis formulation are discussed as well as sampling - covering basic concepts, simple random sampling, cluster sampling, calculating sample size stratification and design effects. Other sessions cover questionnaire design and logistics of collection of data, data analysis and presentation and the dissemination of results.  Practical experience is provided of choice of sample design, basic data analysis and presentation of results, as well as working in teams.  The module provides an introduction to survey research for students without prior experience.


TEACHING STRATEGY
Students, working in small groups, will formulate research questions and prepare research hypotheses.  Much of the course consists of practical small-group or individual work, but within a framework of lectures and discussion covering the key topics.  The main exercise is basic data analysis and interpretation using an appropriate demographic data set. Results of the exercise form the basis of a group assignment.  Because the module is based on group work and groups are formed on the first day of the course, please note that it is detrimental to others in your group if you arrive after the start of the course on the Monday or if you decide to transfer to or away from the course after it begins.


LEARNING TIME
The module is made up of 150 Notional Learning Hours – 34 hours contact time, 50 hours directed self-study, 30 hours self-directed learning, and 36 hours assessment, review and revision


ASSESSMENT
Participants are assessed on a piece of group work presentation and a short-answer test.

 

FEE
£1,600 including access to LSHTM library and learning resources, study materials and assessment.

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