Browse Hierarchy IPH5002: Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Global Health

This module will be a compulsory module for the 2nd year BSc in Global Health. It builds on the 1st year module 'Introduction to reading, writing and analysis in Global Health' through which the students have developed skills in setting research questions, critical appraisal of multi-disciplinary texts, essay writing, library skills and good academic practice. This module further develops academic research and writing skills, building an awareness of the epistemological basis of different kinds of qualitative and quantitative research, and asking students to then apply this knowledge to critically appraise different approaches and methods in qualitative and quantitative research. Additionally, students will actively use their knowledge by writing a critique of a qualitative or quantitative study on a Global Health topic. This module complements the 1st and 2nd year provision in Epidemiology and Statistics, which trains students in the understanding, appraisal and interpretation of epidemiological research. The module also encourages students to not only begin to evaluate a research method's appropriateness for a study, but also to consider research ethics and to engage in reflexivity as a researcher. As such, this module provides the basis for further methods training that will be taught as part of the 3rd year dissertation module. Also, by critically appraising different approaches and methods in qualitative and qualitative research, students build a firm basis for conducting their own research dissertation at the end of the BSc programme.