In this course, students will learn to design an education research project, focussing on the research topic and questions, appropriate methodologies and methods to address these, and appropriate methods of data analysis.

This course is made up of lectures and tutorials which take place in semester 2.

MED5135

Essay relating to design and/or methodological issues in education research (50%) - 1800 to 2500 words. Maps to ILOs 1, 2 and 3

Weekly posts to online discussion forum (50%) - max 4000 words. Maps to ILOs 1, 2 and 3.

This course aims to give students the opportunity to:

1. Develop their knowledge and understanding of methodology in education research and, in particular, the appropriate use of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis;

2. Apply this knowledge and understanding in the design of research to address questions in health professions education.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Identify research topics in health professions education and formulate and critique research questions;

2. Critically evaluate the appropriateness of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and methods to address specific research questions in health professions education;

3. Design a study to address a research question in health professions education, taking into account - where appropriate - such issues as sampling, validity and reliability, authenticity, trustworthiness, credibility and generalizability.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.