Research+Curriculum

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=Research Methods Course Outline= (Based on ABP's Content Outline for PEM )

Course timeline

List of classic PEM articles

Helpful slides

Screencasts

iBooks

Journal Scan

Quizzes

SECTION 1 – BIOSTATISTICS
The Basics of Data
 * 1) Data Scales
 * 2) Normal vs. Non-normal Distribution
 * 3) Parametric vs. Non-parametric Data

Descriptive Statistics
 * 1) Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 * 2) Measures of Variability: Standard Deviation, Standard Error of the Mean, Interquartile Range, and Range

Sampling and Estimation
 * 1) Confidence Intervals

Measuring Performance of Diagnostic Tests
 * 1) Sensitivity and Specificity
 * 2) Positive and Negative Predictive Value
 * 3) Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves
 * 4) Likelihood Ratio and Bayesian Theory

Measures of Risk and Odds
 * 1) Relative Risk and Absolute Risk
 * 2) Odds Ratio

Measuring Performance of Therapies
 * 1) Absolute Risk Reduction and Absolute Benefit Increase
 * 2) Number Needed to Treat and Number Needed to Harm

Hypothesis Testing
 * 1) The Null Hypothesis
 * 2) Type I and Type II error
 * 3) Statistical Power and Sample Size Estimates
 * 4) Parametric Statistical Inference Tests: t-test and ANOVA
 * 5) Non-parametric Statistical Inference Tests: Chi-Square test and Variants, Rank Tests of Non-parametric Data
 * 6) "Statistically Significant" vs. "Biologically Meaningful"

Measuring the Relationships between Variables
 * 1) Correlation
 * 2) Regression

Measures of Validity/Reliability
 * 1) Inter-rater Reliability (Kappa)

Measures of Safety
 * 1) Upper limit of the 95% Confidence Interval

Sample Size Determinations

SECTION 2 – STUDY DESIGN
The “Skeleton” of a Research Paper Sources of Bias, Confounding, and Error Study Types
 * 1) Proper Organization of a Research Paper
 * 2) The Relationship Between Definitions and Conclusions
 * 1) Prospective vs. Retrospective Studies
 * 2) Descriptive Studies: Case Reports, Case Series, Cross-Sectional Studies
 * 3) Evaluative/Analytical Studies: Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies
 * 4) Experimental Studies: Randomized Controlled Trials, Non-randomized Controlled Trials
 * 5) Synthesis Studies: Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analyses
 * 6) Intention-to-Treat Analysis
 * 7) Paired/Matched Study Design

Methodology: The “Rosetta Stones”
 * 1) The Randomized Controlled Trial – CONSORT
 * 2) The Chart Review –Gilbert

SECTION 3 - PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

 * 1) Patient Flow Diagrams
 * 2) Tables
 * 3) Graphs
 * 4) Figures

SECTION 4 - THE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

 * 1) Informed Consent
 * 2) Human and Animal Rights
 * 3) The Role of the IRB
 * 4) HIPAA
 * 5) Forms of Scientific Misconduct
 * 6) Conflicts of Interest
 * 7) Investigator/Co-Investigator Responsibilities
 * 8) Responsibilities of a Valid Author