MSOP 1016 Research Methods: Why Research Methods?

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Questions and Answers

What is a key aspect of evidence-based practice?

Reliable data from well-designed research (correct)

Advertisements from pharmaceutical companies

Personal opinions and experiences

Random internet articles

Which type of evidence is provided by a well-structured review of the literature?

Unverified information

Biased opinion-based evidence

Strong research evidence (correct)

Weak anecdotal evidence

What is a primary emphasis of national clinical guidelines in medicine selection?

Evidence-based choice of medicines (correct)

Cheapest available medicines

Medicines with the best packaging

Trendy or popular medicines

Which skill is important for interpreting key findings in literature?

Critical appraisal Signup and view all the answers

What do different study designs provide for professional practice?

Different levels of research evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the application of key statistical principles important in scientific research projects?

To ensure accurate analysis of data Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in conducting a structured literature review?

Selecting electronic databases and sources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an element of a systematic/structured literature review?

Conducting primary research Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of critical appraisal in research methods?

To evaluate the quality of research papers Signup and view all the answers

In academic writing, which section should provide an overview of the subject, issue, or theory under consideration?

Introduction section Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is crucial for conducting a successful literature review for a research project?

Knowing where to obtain library support Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in a literature review report for appropriate referencing?

Author-date style or Harvard reference system Signup and view all the answers

When writing journal articles, what should be included in the citation for electronic sources?

URL details and DOI link Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to explore both quantitative and qualitative research methods?

To have a broader understanding of research approaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of data extraction in a structured literature review?

To document key results and findings from papers Signup and view all the answers

Why should reports in academic writing follow a logical progression?

To ensure clarity and coherence in presenting information Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a 1st class literature review/introduction to a research report?

Logical progression of the theme Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-structured literature review/introduction?

Inconsistencies between in-text citations & reference list Signup and view all the answers

What should be evident in a literature review/introduction that shows wide reading and comprehensive understanding of the subject area?

Evaluation/critical appraisal of the literature Signup and view all the answers

Which chapter from 'Conducting your pharmacy practice research project' by Smith (2010) is relevant for reviewing the literature?

Chapter 6 Signup and view all the answers

What type of errors should be absent in a 1st class literature review/introduction?

Grammatical errors Signup and view all the answers

In a literature review/introduction, what does 'evidence of wide reading' primarily refer to?

Extensive research conducted Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Online Sessions Overview

The online sessions cover research methods, including literature searching, qualitative methods, sampling techniques, hypothesis tests, questionnaire design, and research ethics.
The sessions are divided into two 3-hour workshops, focusing on critical appraisal and statistics.

Research Methods Key Learning Outcomes

Conduct and document a literature review using a structured approach.
Identify potential search terms and search different databases or resources.
Explore quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Critically appraise relevant research papers.
Use appropriate statistics to answer research questions.

Structured Literature Review

A structured approach to literature review involves:
- Identifying a research question/topic.
- Identifying search terms/key words.
- Selecting electronic databases and relevant sources.
- Searching relevant databases and reviewing papers.
- Data extraction and documenting key results/findings.
- Critical appraisal of research findings and assessing study quality.
- Report writing, including referencing in Harvard style.

Referencing – Harvard Style

Journal articles: Surname, Initial. (Year of publication). Title of article, Title of Journal, Volume & Issue information, Page reference (if available). URL (if needed).
Books: Surname, Initial. (Year of publication) Title. (Edition number –if available) Place of publication: publisher. Series and volume number (if available).
In-text citation: use Surname (date).
Bibliography list: in alphabetical order by author.

Report Writing/Academic Writing

Reports should follow a logical progression, including:
- Introduction/overview of the subject, issue, or theory under consideration.
- Methods: databases used, search terms, search strategy.
- Results: studies screened and included at each stage, tables or figures.
- Discussion/analysis of key papers, identifying gaps in knowledge.
- Summary and conclusion.

Why Research Methods?

Research methods are essential for evidence-based practice, which involves using reliable data from well-designed research.
National clinical guidelines emphasize evidence-based choice of medicines based on safety, clinical effectiveness, and cost evaluations.
Structured literature reviews can help in selecting the best treatment options for patients.

Research Methods Learning Outcomes

Critically appraise the literature or published data, interpreting key findings, identifying study limitations, and applying research evidence to pharmacy practice.
Demonstrate understanding and application of key statistical principles and methods relevant to scientific research projects.
Understand differences between research, service evaluation, and audit, and their application.
Reflect on the ethical issues that need to be taken into account when conducting research projects.

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Description

Explore the importance of research methods in pharmacy practice and evidence-based medicine. Learn about utilizing reliable data from well-designed research for making informed decisions. Understand how systematic literature reviews can aid in selecting optimal treatment options for patients.