Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Research Methodology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Students are requested to email to arrange a meeting.
Dr Natalia Felipe (nfelipe@uic.es)
Dr Lissethe Peñate (lissethe@uic.es)
Introduction
Scientific Methodology is the fundamental axis of research in the Health Sciences. Knowledge of it is essential to innovate with theoretical and empirical models that contribute to a better understanding of reality. The methodology facilitates the detection and resolution of specific problems. Only knowledge of it and its implementation guarantee scientific rigor.
Pre-course requirements
None.
Objectives
This course aims:
- To give basic methodological tools to the student to create a research project.
- To know the main sources of information based on evidence.
- To train the student to work in research groups.
- To teach the student to use evaluation methods for different types of studies.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB10 - Acquire learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a self-directed and autonomous mode.
- CB6 - Knowledge and understanding to provide a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and / or applying ideas in a research context.
- CB7 - To apply the acquired knowledge, and develop their ability to solve problems in new environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
- CB8 - Integrate knowledge and deals with the complexity of formulate judgments based on scientific evidence, from information that may be incomplete or limited, include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments.
- CE1 - Ability to apply the scientific method, the experimental design and the biostatistics to solve a problem or corroborate hypothesis.
- CE3 - Ability to apply bioinformatics tools used in basic research.
- CT1 - Ability to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups
Learning outcomes of the subject
- To formulate appropriate research questions.
- To understand the fundamental concepts related to epidemiology and the scientific process.
- To know how to read scientific literature critically and recognize parts.
- To use specific literature search tools.
Syllabus
1. Introduction to scientific knowledge
- The process of scientific knowledge
- Characteristics of scientific knowledge
- Evidence-based practice. Critical thinking
- Introduction to critical reading of scientific articles *
2. Research in Health Sciences
- Importance of research in dentistry
- Approach to the research question
- Introduction to the literature review *
- Main lines of research in dentistry nationally and internationally
3. Generalities:
- Introduction to the design of studies *: (quasi-experimental, pre -post studies, pure) observational (descriptive, analytical), experimental
- Study types: transverse, longitudinal prospective (cohort), retrospective (case - control), clinical trial
4. Development of a research project
- Project summary
- Rationale of the study
- Hypothesis
- Aims and objectives
- Methodology
- Study population and selection techniques for sample: probability sampling and non- probabilistic
- Selection criteria for the study sample
- Intervention: randomization techniques (treatment arms), blind procedures (single blind, double blind, triple blind)
- Procedures per visit
- Data collection
- Definition of measuring instruments: concepts of reliability and validity, development and adaptation of a questionnaire
- Bias concept
- Concepts of internal and external validity
- Ethical considerations
- Limitations of the study
- Bibliometric impact
- Work schedule
- Financial report
- Annexes
5. Principal guidelines / project development standards *:
- CONSORT guide
- STROBE guide
- SPIRIT guide
- PRISMA guide
Teaching and learning activities
Online
Learning activities: 1 ECTS CT, 1 ECTS PRO
Teaching activities: CM, MC y TRB
Evaluation systems and criteria
Online
Continuous evaluation - EC (10%)
Case study work - RC (40%)
Final exam - PFE (50%)
Bibliography and resources
Narváez, V. P. D. (2009). Metodología de la investigación científica y bioestadística: para médicos, odontólogos y estudiantes de ciencias de la salud. RiL Editores.