Overview
The ability to critically appraise published research is a key skill for anyone involved in using and/or undertaking research. Within this course we discuss the importance of defining a meaningful research question and the key research factors implicated in answering a research question in an efficient and valid way. Students are given the opportunity to examine sample research design and appraisal checklists and to apply the skills gained throughout the course via practical appraisal activities.
The following topics are discussed and are of use when designing your own research study and/or evaluating existing published material:
- Defining a research question
- Observational and experimental study designs
- Sampling and randomisation
- Bias and confounding
- Research protocols, checklists and records
- Competing study designs
- Displays and analysis of data
- Common pitfalls in analysis
- Reporting of results
- Validity of the results with respect to the research question
Concessions
A 50% discount is available for UCL staff, students, alumni. If you're eligible for a discount, email ich.statscou@ucl.ac.uk before booking to be sent the discount code.
The course is available for free to those associated with the Institute of Child Health or Great Ormond Street Hospital, and UCL doctoral students. Please also email ich.statscou@ucl.ac.uk to gain a booking code.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will have the tools to critically appraise published quantitative research, from understanding study design to interpretation of results.
In particular, you will be able to:
- pick out main aim and the research question of the study
- describe the study design, and understand the advantages and disadvantages of the researcher’s approach
- notice when bias could be introduced through the sampling process and other aspects of the study design
- interpret tables and figures
- consider whether the authors have used appropriate statistical methods
- pick out common pitfalls in analysis
- assess the validity of the results and conclusions
- use checklists for critical appraisal that are available online
Find out about other statistics courses
CASC's stats courses are suitable for anyone requiring an understanding of research methodology and statistical analyses. The courses allow non-statisticians to interpret published research and/or undertake their own research studies.
Find out more about CASC's full range of statistics courses.
