What you'll learn

Critically evaluate empirical research
Identify critical components and potential pitfalls of research designs
Determine the appropriate research design for a given research question

Course description

This HMS CME Online course is targeted to providers and researchers in all areas of health care with the primary goal of providing participants with the tools necessary to be critical consumers of research and (if desired) begin to design their own research.

Select the Take Course button to view additional information on the course registration page.

Course outline

Research Methods 101 for the Provider: A Guide to Critical Research Consumption is organized as follows:
Case 1: Vaccine Skepticism
Introduction
MMR-Autism Link

Case 2: I Found It on the Web
Introduction
Cited Article
Problems with the Cited Journal
Researching Sources
Research Tips and Strategies
Summary

Case 3: Just DUIt
Introduction
Self-Report Biases
Measurement Validity
Sampling Bias
Pretest, Posttest, and Observation
Conducting an Experiment
Summary

Case 4: Gambling with Your Design
Introduction
More on Sampling
Back to Gambling
Cross-Sectional, Multi-Wave Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Design
Sampling Problems
Summary

Case 5: Miracle Diet
Introduction
Types of Effects
Summary

Case 6: Worried About Starting Your Own Study?
Introduction
More on Study Design
Steps in the Study Process
Funding Your Study
Summary

CME Posttest