Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Professional Specialisation: Research Methodology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
The teaching staff will attend to all students who request it via email during scheduled hours.
Introduction
Evidence-based clinical practice aims to accelerate and improve the use of clinical practice based on the best available evidence from relevant clinical research. Evidence-based physiotherapy practice does not attempt to replace the role of clinical expertise, but the information obtained from it allows for more appropriate decisions for the patient and more efficient decisions for the healthcare system. Therefore, training is necessary to develop skills and abilities in consciously, explicitly, and judiciously selecting and using the best available evidence when making decisions about care and the application of therapeutic strategies. Understanding certain principles, methods and rules of scientific verification and/or evidence is necessary to correctly interpret information and literature on causality, prognosis, tests, and treatment strategies. This approach to designing evidence-based protocols not only represents the best way to move clinicians from opinion-based to evidence-based physiotherapy, but also appears to be leading to a higher level of utilization in the development of action protocols.
Pre-course requirements
None established.
Objectives
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Develop skills to formulate research hypotheses appropriate to different knowledge levels.
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Become familiar with bibliographic and experimental sources and formulate questions based on children's therapeutic needs.
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Critically evaluate the validity and usefulness of bibliographic references.
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Acquire skills in defining research objectives and methodologies.
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Be able to plan and establish a work schedule.
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Acquire the ability to interpret the results obtained from empirical research and discuss them, drawing coherent conclusions.
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Be able to use resources for managing scientific information.
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Develop skills in planning and evaluating research processes in physiotherapy using scientific evidence.
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Understand and critically evaluate the specific bibliography consulted.
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Acquire the ability to communicate the information obtained using scientifically correct terminology, both orally and in writing.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
Basic and general competencies
CB6 - Possess and understand knowledge that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context.
CB9 - Students know how to communicate their conclusions, knowledge and the reasons that support them to both specialized and non-specialized public media in a clear and unambiguous way.
CB10 - Students possess the learning skills that will enable to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.
Transversal competencies
CT3 - Communicate both orally and in writing using correct scientific terminology in each specialization of physiotherapy and health sciences, in both national and international contexts.
CT4 - Use information and communication technologies effectively to ensure continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.
Specific competencies
CE3 - Design, plan, and implement the most efficient pediatric physiotherapy intervention; monitor and evaluate responses using scientific evidence..
CE7 - Stay updated and expand knowledge on child development, learning, and motor control, as well as pathologies, diagnostic processes, and therapeutic strategies presented by the scientific community.
Learning outcomes of the subject
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Formulates research hypotheses appropriate to different levels of knowledge, using bibliographic and experimental background information.
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Is able to determine the research methodologies appropriate to the proposed hypothesis.
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Presents their work using correct scientific terminology, within each specialization and in a national and international context.
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Demonstrates critical thinking and self-assessment skills in formulating research objectives and methodologies.
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Is able to plan and establish a work schedule.
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Uses Information and Communication Technologies as a support tool.
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Demonstrates ethical commitment in their methodological approaches and assessments.
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Analyzes data critically, applyingthe necessary scientific rigor.
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Selects appropiate statistical techniques relevant to the hypothesis and methodology used.
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Interprets the results obtained from empirical research and discusses them, drawing coherent conclusions.
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Demonstrates discretion in the handling of databases.
Syllabus
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Introduction to research.
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Phases of the research process.
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Epidemiological study designs.
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Statistical techniques for data analysis.
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Databases and bibliographic search strategies.
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Bibliographic reference management tools.
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How to develop and write a research proposal.
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Bibliometric indices and impact factor.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Teaching Methods
- LM - Lecture Method
- MC - Case Method
- REP - Exercise and Problem Solving
- ABP - Problem-Based Learning
- CA - Learning Contract
Learning Activities
|
|
Hours |
Attendance (%) |
|
CT - Theory classes |
40 |
100% |
|
CP - Practical classes |
20 |
100% |
|
AAP - Self-learning activities |
30 |
0% |
|
EI - Independent study |
60 |
0% |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Since the course has a theory-practical nature, a minimum attendance of 80% of classes is required to pass the course.
The assessment for this course will also be continuous and formative. Students will submit evidence of their learning through real-world task performance (in information retrieval and management) and reports or summaries of practical work. The evaluation of these contributions will also provide feedback on their learning process.
Additionally. the student will complete an individual assignment that represents 70% of the final grade, provided they achieve a score of 5,0 or higher. The remaining 30% will be based on the assessment of activities completed in class.