How to use the curriculum
- Begin with the foundations and define the research problem, question, and intended inference.
- Use the topic-specific parts to plan design, sampling, measurement, field procedures, validity, and ethics.
- Follow links to Biostatistics when a decision requires statistical methods, modelling, or sample-size calculation.
- Use protocol and reporting sections to convert decisions into transparent documentation.
Parts I–XVI
Curriculum
135 published of 135 planned lectures
135 published
Part 1
Foundations of Health Research
6 modules
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Part 2
Developing the Research Problem and Question
8 modules
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- Identifying a Researchable Problem
- Writing the Background and Problem Statement
- Formulating Research Questions
- Using PICO and Related Question Frameworks
- Writing General and Specific Objectives
- Developing Research Hypotheses
- Defining Scope, Delimitations and Limitations
- Assessing Significance, Novelty and Feasibility
Part 3
Literature Review and Evidence Foundations
7 modules
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Part 4
Conceptualisation, Variables and Causal Thinking
7 modules
Part 5
Measurement and Research Instruments
9 modules
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- Principles of Measurement in Health Research
- Measurement Scales and Response Formats
- Validity of Measurements and Instruments
- Reliability and Reproducibility
- Measurement Error and Misclassification
- Selecting an Existing Instrument
- Adapting and Translating Instruments
- Pilot Testing and Cognitive Interviewing
- Developing a New Questionnaire or Scale
Part 6
Sampling, Recruitment and Sample Size Planning
9 modules
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- Target, Source and Study Populations
- Eligibility Criteria
- Sampling Frames and Recruitment Sources
- Probability Sampling Methods
- Non-Probability Sampling Methods
- Sampling in Qualitative Research
- Participant Recruitment and Retention
- Non-Response, Attrition and Selection Bias
- Principles of Sample Size Planning
Part 7
Cross-Sectional, Survey and Ecological Studies
7 modules
Part 8
Case-Control and Cohort Studies
8 modules
Part 9
Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Studies
10 modules
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- Principles of Experimental Research
- Randomised Controlled Trial Design
- Random Sequence Generation and Allocation Concealment
- Blinding and Masking
- Control Groups, Placebos and Standard Care
- Parallel, Crossover and Factorial Trials
- Cluster and Stepped-Wedge Trials
- Trial Outcomes, Estimands and Follow-Up
- Pilot and Feasibility Trials
- Quasi-Experimental Designs
Part 10
Diagnostic, Screening, Prognostic and Prediction Research
9 modules
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- Diagnostic Accuracy Study Design
- Index Tests, Reference Standards and the Two-by-Two Framework
- Participant Spectrum and Recruitment in Diagnostic Studies
- Bias in Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
- Screening Test and Programme Evaluation
- Prognostic Factor Studies
- Clinical Prediction Model Development
- Prediction Model Validation and Updating
- Clinical Utility and Impact of Prediction Models
Part 11
Qualitative Research
10 modules
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- When and Why to Use Qualitative Research
- Qualitative Paradigms and Research Questions
- Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography and Case Study
- Sampling and Recruitment in Qualitative Studies
- Conducting In-Depth Interviews
- Conducting Focus Group Discussions
- Observation, Documents and Digital Qualitative Data
- Thematic and Qualitative Content Analysis
- Trustworthiness and Reflexivity
- Reporting Qualitative Research
Part 12
Mixed-Methods Research
7 modules
Part 13
Data Collection, Field Operations and Data Management
9 modules
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- Developing a Data Collection Plan
- Designing Case Report Forms and Data Collection Instruments
- Standard Operating Procedures and Research Manuals
- Training and Standardising the Research Team
- Pilot Studies and Operational Pretesting
- Data Quality Assurance and Monitoring
- Electronic Data Capture and REDCap
- Data Dictionaries, Coding and Metadata
- Data Security, Storage, Backup and Archiving
Part 14
Bias, Validity and Research Quality
9 modules
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Part 15
Research Ethics, Governance and Integrity
10 modules
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- Ethical Principles in Health Research
- Informed Consent
- Research Involving Vulnerable Populations
- Risk, Benefit, Burden and Participant Compensation
- Privacy, Confidentiality and Identifiability
- Preparing an Ethics Committee Submission
- Study Registration, Amendments and Continuing Review
- Research Data Governance and Data Sharing
- Authorship, Conflicts of Interest and Transparency
- Research Misconduct and Questionable Practices
Part 16
Protocols, Reporting and Specialised Research Approaches
10 modules
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- Structure of a Research Protocol
- Writing the Methodology Section of a Protocol
- Developing a Statistical Analysis and Data Management Plan
- Reporting Guidelines and Research Checklists
- Writing and Publishing a Research Manuscript
- Reproducible Research and Open Science
- Secondary Data, Medical Records and Registry Research
- Implementation, Health-Services and Quality-Improvement Research
- Delphi and Formal Consensus Methods
- Systematic and Scoping Review Protocols
Relationship to Biostatistics
Research Methodology explains how studies are conceptualised, designed, conducted, governed, appraised, and reported. Detailed statistical tests, models, formulas, software implementation, and calculators remain in the Biostatistics Learning Hub and Tools.
Use note
These materials support education and preliminary research planning. They do not replace study-specific methodological, statistical, ethical, regulatory, or institutional advice.