Module manager: Dr. Maryam Ba-Break
Email: m.m.ba-break@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
The same as the course
This module is not approved as an Elective
The Health Systems Research Method module is core module for MPH master students and those who want to get a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health [International]. The module is a 15-credit module aims at preparing public health professionals to utilize research to support health systems in low- and middle-income countries by learning about the research process, the principles of quantitative and qualitative research, how they relate to each other, and how to choose the right method for a given question; data generation methods, data analysis approaches, and how to design a research proposal. Consideration for diverse student needs; Students are supported by the module leader, academic tutor and programme team that considers student interest, needs, and progress. Module material and learning resources are uploaded to Minerva in advance so that students can access material and resources according to their pace of work. Videos are also used to support this. Decolonised approach; Students and lecturers are invited to reflect on diverse knowledge that are not often seen in formal global public health literature and research. Students learn about various types of research which places communities at the heart of the research process. Inequities, rights and social justice; Students are taught the importance of research having an equity, rights and social justice focus and how it can be used to address inequities
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of evidence-based medicine by analysing and applying various health research methods to evaluate and improve health system performance.
2. Compare and contrast the nature and use of quantitative and qualitative research.
3. Explain the main study designs used in health system research, their strengths and weaknesses, and their position in the hierarchy of evidence.
4. Develop skills to interpret and critically appraise epidemiological and statistical concepts and parameters central to the design of research studies.
5. Make informed decisions regarding the study design and data analysis methods to be used for a specific research project;
6. Describe, plan, and conduct quantitative data analysis using basic statistical methods and software.
7. Critically evaluate and apply qualitative data analysis methods, aligning them with relevant theoretical perspectives
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate a step-by-step understanding of the health systems research process, from defining a problem to dissemination of findings.
2. Develop and justify the selection of appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for investigating health systems issues, demonstrating an understanding of the range of data collection methods commonly used and their alignment with context and research objectives.
3. Analyse collected data using appropriate qualitative approaches and quantitative techniques, ensuring relevance to health systems research questions.
4. Assess the validity, reliability, and ethical considerations of research findings, recognizing limitations and biases in the context of health systems studies.
5. Demonstrate proficiency on presenting research results effectively using appropriate formats and critically discuss their implications for improving health system performance and policy.
6. Prepare a detailed and methodologically robust research proposal addressing a health system issue, including literature review, research design, data collection and analysis plans, and ethical considerations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
The module enhances the following skills:
Technical:
1. Identify and prioritize key research questions to address health system challenges in low-income countries, selecting and applying appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods.
2. Analyse and interpret secondary data while critically appraising published research to generate meaningful insights
Work Ready Skills:
3. Set and achieve research goals independently, incorporating feedback while developing structured and ethical research proposals.
Academic Skills:
4. Evaluate arguments using evidence-based reasoning, maintaining academic integrity, and effectively communicating research findings in written form.
Digital Skills:
5. Use statistical software to determine sample size, analyze data, and present findings accurately.
- Introduction to the applied research “cycle”:
- Developing research questions, aims, objectives, and hypotheses;
- What is quantitative research and data (vs qualitative)?;
- Sampling methods and sample size
- Proposal and protocol writing;
- Ethics in research.
Specific on Qualitative research methods:
- Introduction to qualitative research (why, and when do we do it?);
- Generating qualitative data: Introduction to in-depth interviews; focus group discussions (FGDs), document analysis, and observation;
- Qualitative data analysis (coding, interpretation, triangulation, and reporting).
Specific on quantitative research methods:
- Questionnaire design.
- Study design (Cross-sectional, case-control, Cohort, and RCT)
- Quantitative data, variables (independent & dependent), and outcomes.
- Causal effects versus associations
- Descriptive statistics: Univariate descriptive statistics (frequencies & percentages, central tendency, dispersion,)
- Common statistical tests: chi-squared, t-tests (one-sample, paired and independent), and ANOVA.
- Hypothesis testing P value and Confidence interval
- Linear regression and logistic regression.
- Confounding and bias.
Practical:
- Sample size calculation in www.Statulator.com ;
- Introduction to SPSS: Data entry, coding, variables classifications;
- Preparing datasets (loading data, data checking, processing, and cleaning);
- Using SPSS in data computing, and descriptive analysis;
- Statistical tests in SPSS (t-test, ANOVA & Chi-square).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 3 | 30 |
| Practical | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Seminar | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 85 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 45 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Opportunities for formative feedback to monitor student progress are provided through:
- Students are given secondary data to analyse using what have been taught in the SPSS sessions. Then they are asked to present their findings the last session. The presented findings are discussed with all group and feedback is given.
- The Discussion Board on Minerva where the module leader monitors students' selection of research topics and answers questions, and provides feedback
- Lecturers observe class dynamics and group discussions and provide verbal feedback.
- A question-and-answer session during which students receive feedback on their topic selection, approach, and proposed research methods.
- Before getting feedback from teachers, students are encouraged to use self-assessments in the data analysis exercises.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Writing research proposal - This assignment assesses: The ability to identify and prioritize research topics and questions for investigating health system-related problems in low-income countries; Student's ability to identify appropriate research methods to address research questions, consider options for study design, data collection, and analysis methods, develop possibilities for potential risks, and finally plan the proposal accordingly. | 100 |
| Coursework | Group presentation - Students are given secondary data to analyse using what have been taught in the SPSS sessions. Then they are asked to present their findings the last session. The presented findings are discussed with all group and feedback is given. | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 18/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team