Virtual Research Library

Virtual Research Library

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Randomized Controlled Trials

What are randomized controlled trials?

Key Points

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are a type of study design commonly used in health research to explore the efficacy of interventions.
  • The goal of an RCT is to increase the validity of experimental results and strengthen the evidence for causal relationships.
  • RCTs use randomization, control groups, and blinding to control for variables and limit biases.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
    • An introduction to RCTs, including a step-by-step outline for how to design an RCT. Includes examples and tips in practice.

Videos

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
    • A video from UNICEF that highlights the importance of control groups in Randomized Controlled Trials, different RCT designs (including factorial, cluster, and multifactorial designs), and pitfalls to avoid in sampling procedures.
  • How do we know if an intervention works?
    • A 5-minute video describing how RCTs can be used to minimize bias and increase the validity of experimental findings, in terms of control groups and blinding.

Online Courses

  • Randomized Controlled Trials
    • A 30-minute video lecture on statistical interventions and methods commonly used in RCTs.
    • Note: the video refers to a textbook, but the video is helpful even without the textbook.

Relevant Publications

  • Stanley, K. (2007). Design of Randomized Controlled Trials. Circulation, 115(9), 1164–1169.
    • A comprehensive article from 2007 describing elements of RCT design, especially for clinical trials and health research

Qualitative Data Analysis

How do I analyze qualitative data?

Key Points

  • Qualitative data analysis is the study and interpretation of non-numerical, or categorical, data.
  • Qualitative data analysis is especially useful when seeking information regarding patient experience, context, and perceptions.
  • One key aspect of qualitative data analysis is data coding, which helps categorize and organize data.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Templates and Examples


Relevant Publications


Quantitative Data Analysis

How do I analyze quantitative data?

Key Points

  • Quantitative data analysis is the analysis of numerical data, specifically through mathematical or statistical methods.
  • Quantitative data analysis is useful when seeking reliable and objective data which can prove or disprove association or causality.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Relevant Publications


Overview of Quantitative Research

What is quantitative research and what are the different types?

Key Points

  • Quantitative research designs use numerical data that can be analyzed statistically or mathematically.
  • Types of quantitative research include non-experimental or experimental designs.
  • It is important to understand the strengths and limitations of quantitative studies to ensure that the appropriate design is chosen for a research project.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Basic Quantitative Research Overview
    • A 16-minute video that provides a basic overview of quantitative research along with the application of hypothesis, concepts of observation, confirmation, sampling, and power of analysis in quantitative research.
  • Quantitative Research: An Overview
    • This short 4-minute video provides a basic overview of quantitative research along with considerations for each type of design (descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental).
  • Introduction to Research, Quantitative/Qualitative & Sample Research Titles
    • This 20-minute video describes the quantitative research designs along with the data collection methods and quantitative research titles. It is within a larger discussion about research methods in general.

Writing A Research Protocol

How do I write a formal document that describes my study?

Key Points

  • Research protocols serve as guidelines for conducting research.
  • They are short, stand-alone documents that complement the abstract in describing the rationale for research methods or proceedings.
  • Protocols explain the essential or technical elements of the process, often with special attention to safety considerations.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  • Format for Research Protocol
    • This article from the World Health Organization offers recommendations for writing a succinct research protocol.
    • It describes the format, content, and special considerations to include.
  • How to Develop a Competitive Research Protocol
    • This 42-page document describes the main elements of the research protocol in detail.
    • It offers advice and examples for each component of the protocol, like the title, problem description, timetable, and safety considerations.

Relevant Publications


Overview of Sharing Results

How do I best disseminate findings from my research?

Key Points

  • After concluding data collection and analysis, the research process is not over yet!  Now that you have results, you need to share this information with your target audience, and the scholarly community.
  • It is important to consider how you want to present your findings, and which platform you will use, before starting research.
  • Connecting with other health researchers, attending conferences, and staying up to date with scientific publications are all ways to approach the result dissemination process.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  • Scholarly Communication
    • A brief, informative post from a U.S. university about how to avoid predatory publishers, protecting your research findings, and maintaining your academic integrity.

Videos


Relevant Publications


Overview of Experimental Research

What is experimental research?

Key Points

  • An experimental (or intervention) study is a study where the exposure or treatment is controlled by the investigator.
  • Experimental studies provide evidence to support or refute the existence of a cause-effect relationship.
  • There are different types of experimental study designs.  One is the randomized controlled trial (RCT) which is considered the “gold standard” of experimental studies.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Relevant Publications


Overview of Qualitative Research

What is qualitative research?

Key Points

  • Qualitative research seeks to understand an experience from the perspective of those who experience it, often through interviews or participant observations.
  • There are many types of qualitative research, including ethnography, Grounded Theory, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, and qualitative descriptive. These approaches come from an interpretive paradigm, which aims to understand (or interpret) the world through the subjective experience of individuals. 
  • Qualitative research is exploratory and descriptive; it focuses on words/experiences versus numbers or trying to quantify something. 
  • Qualitative research focuses on meaning, not measurement.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Online Courses

  • This is a 6-week introductory Qualitative Research Design Coursera course focused on public health-related qualitative research.
    • Note: You can audit the course for free (click ‘sign-up/enroll’ and then click the ‘audit course’ button); there is also a payment option for more access to materials and to earn a certificate.

Relevant Publications


Overview of Research Capacity Building

What are key principles related to research capacity building?

Key Points

  • Research capacity building (RCB) is the process by which institutions, and the individuals who work within them, improve their ability to develop, implement, and sustain high-quality research efforts which can be translated into practice in order to improve outcomes.
  • RCB is particularly needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in other contexts where there are fewer resources in terms of funding, tools, and skills.
  • Research capacity building is also sometimes called capacity strengthening or capacity development.
  • This virtual library intends to provide RCB resources that are particularly relevant to human health-related research, based in hospital, clinic, or community settings.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Strengthening clinical research capacity in LMICs
    • The Academy of Medical Science and InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) for Health produced this 2:30 minute video which provides a brief overview of the topic and summarizes 7 key recommendations for RCB in LMICs. A detailed report of the workshop mentioned in this video, which was published by the United Kingdom-based Academy of Medical Sciences and IAP can be downloaded from this link.

Relevant Publications


Overview of Research Study Designs

How do I select the right study design?

Key Points

  • There are many ways to approach a research problem, and selecting the appropriate study design is a critical first step.
  • Examples of study designs include case-control, cohort study, randomized control trial, systematic review, and meta-analysis.
  • Some considerations to make when selecting a research design are: what data will be collected (qualitative or quantitative) if an intervention will be applied, how the data will be analyzed, and whether the results collected will answer the specific research question.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Epidemiological Studies
    • A 10-minute video describing the details, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of different study designs in public health.
  • What is Research Design?
    • A 6-minute video that explains the difference between research methods and research design; factors to consider when selecting a study design; and how to use the scientific method to conduct a research project.

Helpful Courses

  • Research Design
    • Covers more advanced considerations of research design like data collection and sampling methods.
    • (Note: This 20-minute video lecture references a textbook, but the book is not needed to understand the video)

Overview of Observational Research

What are key principles of observational studies?

Key Points

  • An observational study is the most common type of study in health research.
  • In an observational study, the researcher does not make any intervention, they only observe the participants’ exposure and outcomes in natural situations.
  • Observational study is the choice of study in medical science when there is an ethical issues in Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Observational Studies
    • A 5-minute video from the Health Research Group that clarifies the different kinds of observational studies. Useful for beginner researchers as it focused on basic concepts of observational studies.
  • Understanding Observational Research
    • A very short, two-minute introduction from the National Pharmaceutical Council that provides comprehensive understanding and importance of observational studies from an expert.

Online Courses

  • Introduction to Observational Studies
    • A series of videos on statistical models and measures, including those used for observational research, are available with free access through this program from Bristol University.

Relevant Publications


Other Examples

Other case examples of research capacity building efforts.

Relevant Publications


Grant / Project Management

What is project management and why is it important for your research?

Key Points

  • After a grant is awarded, successful project management is important to ensure all objectives are met on the established timeline. 
  • It is very important to decide on a consistent system to manage and store documents,  track project progress, and record research decisions (often called an ‘audit trail’).
  • Depending on your needs and institutional resources, online project management tools (for example, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Trello) and/or shared document programs (e.g., Box, Google Docs) can be very useful. Many tools/programs have a free option, although often with fewer features.  
  • Budget tracking and monitoring are especially important. Accurate and complete financial records must be kept in accordance with institutional and funder requirements.
  • Every funder is different and will have different reporting and financial requirements. Be sure you understand the expectations and adhere to all requirements! 
  • Complete and submit all required funder reports and updates on time.
  • The Principal Investigator (PI) should schedule regular meetings with all team members and establish a clear plan to communicate project responsibilities and progress. It is important to set clear expectations about who is responsible for doing what and when.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos

  • Good Practice in Grant Management and Reporting.
    • This is a good, general overview of grants administration and management, especially regarding financial reporting. It is not clinical research/health-specific, but more focused on charities and non-profit organizations. However, many key principles still apply.  

Relevant Publications


Non-Communicable Disease Research

What are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and why is NCD research important?

Key Points

  • Non-communicable disease (NCD) research seeks to prevent and control non-communicable (non-infectious) diseases, such as cancer or diabetes.
  • NCD research is especially important in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) as the burden of NCDs is growing rapidly

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Templates and Examples

  • WHO guide to NCD research
    • This guide from the World Health Organization provides guidance to implementation research in the prevention and control of NCD.

Relevant Publications



Preparing the Response to Reviewers/Responding to Feedback

How do I respond to reviewer feedback and prepare a re-submission?

Key Points

  • Writing a reviewer response follows sets of principles that need to be understood by all researchers.
  • There are guidelines and a set of simple rules which help an author respond to reviewer comments in a professional way.
  • Some sample responses can be a guide while writing such reviews.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Templates and Examples


Relevant Publications


Preparing and Submitting a Manuscript

How do I write and submit a manuscript for publication?

Key Points

  • The standard format is endorsed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), which is followed by most of the standard journals.
  • Most guidelines are almost similar to ICMJE protocol with some specific variation to individual journals which the author must acknowledge.
  • The author should also be aware of ethical issues while making submissions to different journals at the same time.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Relevant Publications


Writing a Cover Letter

How do I write an effective cover letter when submitting a manuscript for publication?

Key Points

  • The cover letter is an important statement that needs to be submitted with the manuscript addressing the editor of the journal.
  • A cover letter is a brief introduction of the manuscript as well as the opportunity to convince journal editors for publication of the manuscript.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Templates and Examples


Relevant Publications


International and Ethical Standards for Authors

What are important standards related to ethical publication and authorship?

Key Points

  • Publication in an academic journal is the final stage of any research study which helps build the foundation of evidence-based medicine.
  • There are some principles and standards for writing in an academic journal that apply to the research community all over the world.
  • Knowledge about the fundamental principles of the best scholarly writing is essential for all authors to develop the best scientific manuscript.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Online Courses

  • Writing in the Sciences – Free and self-paced online course from Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, U.S.A.

Templates and Examples


Relevant Publications


Selecting a Journal

How do I locate an academic journal to publish my research?

Key Points

  • Selecting an academic journal is an art that every researcher needs to develop during their academic career.
  • Researchers should be aware of different journal selection tools, bibliometric indicators, steps to good journal selection, and tips for getting published in high-impact journals.
  • Nowadays, predatory journals have started targeting authors in low- and middle-income countries to earn money via online publishing. These journals do not follow the ethical principles of publications. They need to be identified which requires a set of ideas and guidance.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Relevant Publications


Preparing an Oral or Podium Presentation

How do I prepare an effective oral or podium presentation?

Key Points

  • An oral presentation (also referred to as a podium presentation) requires careful planning and practice, and a different skill set than the written format.
  • Podium presentations often accompany a slideshow or poster, which requires the researcher to condense their project into key bullet points and descriptive visuals.
  • A short, well-rehearsed, and clearly formatted oral presentation will set researchers apart at symposiums and conferences.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos


Templates and Examples

  • Giving the Podium Presentation
    • An informative article on steps for success in an oral presentation, from the content of the slides, to how to dress, and tips for the oral delivery of the work. Accompanies this helpful checklist for an oral presentation.

Relevant Publications


Preparing a Poster

How do I prepare an effective poster presentation?

Key Points

  • Posters are a method for presenting research findings in a written and visual way, as a hybrid between a paper and an oral presentation.
  • Posters rely on visual appeal and should contain minimal but large-printed text, and useful summative visuals. 
  • Every poster should be tailored to the event that you are presenting for.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  •  How to Prepare & Present a Scientific Poster
    • This resource discusses the format and specifications for designing scientific posters, including suggestions for the format, design, and graphics to include.
  • Scientific Poster Building 
    • A run-down from the University of Pittsburgh on scientific poster content, with a focus on how to select and display representative data. 
  • Guidelines for Poster Presenters A guide from Whitman University for undergraduate poster presentations. It considers key factors for poster design and presentation, like the software, layout, and writing style.
  • Poster and Presentation ResourcesThis website provides hyperlinks to many resources related to poster design, presentation, and general tips.

Videos

  • Designing an Effective Scientific Poster
    • A 30-minute webinar from Research Medical Library that describes clear guidelines and instructions for poster design, as well as considerations from the conference host.
  • How to Make an Academic Poster in PowerPoint
    • This is a quick “how-to” video for creating and formatting an academic poster using PowerPoint software.
    • The video covers content and layout, fonts, alignment, and how to export as a PDF.

Templates and Examples


How to Prepare and Submit an Abstract

How do I prepare and submit an effective abstract?

Key Points

  • An abstract is a short powerful statement that describes the purpose of the project, research problem, method, research problem, analysis, results, and their significance.
  • There are different styles of abstracts to choose from. Five common types are: Descriptive, Informative, Structured, Semi-structured, and Non-structured.