Module manager: Prof Richard Feltbower
Email: r.g.feltbower@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
See programme entry requirements.
MEDP5321M Research Methods
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module will enable you to understand, apply and critique existing research methods, focusing on quantitative analyses. It will demonstrate why many traditional “statistical tests” are no longer fit for purpose and introduce the concept of causal inference methods to carry out robust analyses of observational data and randomised clinical trials.
This module is designed to prepare you to carry out your research project later in the degree programme.
The module is also designed to allow you to make judgements about the quality of the peer reviewed literature base, to understand the concepts of research and data analysis and how to present and interpret appropriate information derived from statistical analysis.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Recognise and apply the main statistical tools used in clinical research, for i) evaluation of the work of others and ii) analysis of your own results
2. Design appropriate experiments/studies and apply appropriate statistical methods for evaluation
3. Use Stata software to process data appropriately and carry out statistical analysis proficiently.
4. Apply causal inference methods and identify confounding factors for observational data.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) evaluate and apply appropriate statistical methods using Stata to analyse quantitative datasets and interpret results in a research context.
2) critically assess and review published work.
Quantitative research study designs;
Data collection and coding;
Summarising and presenting data;
Sampling distributions and confidence intervals;
Correlation, simple linear regression and effect estimation;
Non-parametric methods;
Causal inference methods and confounding;
Multivariable linear regression modelling;
Critical appraisal of the medical literature.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical | 6 | 1.5 | 9 |
| Seminar | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 55 | ||
| Private study hours | 72 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Student progress will be monitored through classroom discussion with tutors and through feedback from Stata practical questions. This feedback will be both oral, in the work sessions, and written for practice problems. Some feedback will be through the VLE/Minerva and there will be a dedicated revision tutorial near the end of the module for students to clarify any questions they may have and to gain experience of the summative assessment based on a past exam paper. Students will also participate in group work to carry out a critical appraisal of a journal article, culminating in a short 10min presentation; feedback will be provided orally after the presentation.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Critique | Oral Presentation of journal article appraisal, carried out in group work; feedback will be provided orally after the presentation. | 0 |
| Problem Sheet | Questions based on analysis of a Stata dataset comparing correlation and simple linear regression analyses; written feedback will be provided by email. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 0 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Unseen Practical exam (Semester 2) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 09/06/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team