Section outline

  • This week we introduce you to quantitative methods – research methodologies that rely on measurements of phenomena and identification of variables describing events, analysed through statistical techniques.

    We start by considering the importance of UNICEF's Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys to evaluate and compare population health in different countries. Some of you may decide to use MICS data for your own dissertations.

    After providing definitions of methods such as Randomised Control Trials (RCTs), experiments and population surveys – all relying on numbers and statistics – we explore the strengths and weaknesses of quantitative methods, in comparison to qualitative methods (to be discussed next week). We look at survey methodology in some detail – probably the most common quantitative method used in social sciences. The discussion covers the steps followed to conduct surveys, such as selecting a representative sample, and designing your survey questionnaire and a plan of analysis for the variables.

    For our challenge activity we return to the Glasgow effect. After reading some relevant BMJ guidelines, you will be asked what kind of survey you would design to understand the causes of health inequalities in the Scottish city.


    Learning outcomes

    By the end of this session, you will be able to:

    • Identify the main types of quantitative methods for conducting research;
    • Understand the data requirements for such methods;
    • Be familiar with the steps involved in designing surveys.


    • week 3 - opening the discussion on surveys and quantitative methods

      Watch this video on UNICEF's MICS surveys, and reflect on the following points:

      • Why would international organisations spend so much effort on running surveys in multiple countries every year?
      • Can you think of ways MICS data could be useful for a BSc dissertation in global health?
      • What type of analysis could be conducted on raw MICS data?


       

      week 3 - video lecture 

      Find here the slides for this video lecture. Follow the presentation below on quantitative research methods.

      Link to the video lecture here.

       

      week 3 TASKS preparation for webinar

      In preparation for this week's seminar, please read the following BMJ guidelines (Links to an external site.) on how to plan and conduct an epidemiological survey. 

      Think back to the Glasgow effect, and note the steps you would take to conduct a survey to understand the causes of health disparities in the Scottish city. Please make sure you address key aspects, such as:

      1. the question to be investigated;
      2. the required sample; and
      3. the broad areas to be covered by the survey questionnaire.

      Come prepared to discuss:

      • What steps do you think are essential to conduct a survey?

      • Share your thoughts with your peers and comment on each other’s posts.


      Readings: 

      • Choy, Looi Theam. ‘The Strengths and Weaknesses of Research Methodology: Comparison and Complimentary between Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches’, 2014. https://doi.org/10.9790/0837-194399104

      • Peat, Jennifer. Health Science Research. 1 Oliver’s Yard, 55 City Road, London England EC1Y 1SP United Kingdom: SAGE Publications, Ltd, 2002. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849209250.

      • Ruel, Erin, William Edward Wagner, and Brian Joseph Gillespie. The Practice of Survey Research: Theory and Applications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks California 91320: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2016. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483391700.

      • Weiss, Bahr, and Amie Alley Pollack. ‘Barriers to Global Health Development: An International Quantitative Survey’. PLOS ONE 12, no. 10 (out 2017): e0184846. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184846



    • These slides accompany week 3 video lecture

    • Use this link to take you to an external link with relevant information