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.
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.