Research Methods & Computational Analysis

RESEARCH METHODS

To equip learners with knowledge and skills required to conduct sound research in infectious diseases.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the research process, design, implementation and dissemination
2. Develop appropriate research questions and devise methods to answer them
3. Describe research ethics and integrate ethical principles in the research process
4. Select and apply appropriate computer software for data management, referencing, report-writing and dissemination

Content

Introduction to research methodology; overview and structure of the research proposal, analysis and statement of research problem, literature review, bibliography, citation styles, accessing literature sources, use of libraries, formulation of research objectives, questions, hypothesis, conceptual framework; Quantitative techniques: study area, population, study design, selection of participants, sampling and sample size determination; Qualitative methods: focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in depth interviews, processing and analysis of qualitative data; Pilot testing, data quality control, minimization of errors and biases, ethical consideration, informed consent, workplan, research budget.