Faculty of Science

Objectives

This module aims to provide practical experience of planning a research project and analyzing data using a computer. The study is intended to help students consolidate knowledge and techniques acquired in previous courses through applying demographic, epidemiological and statistical principles to a practical problem.

Contents

Identification of the steps involved in planning and conducting a research project; formulation of research questions and testable hypotheses; planning of a study that test the proposed hypotheses, using an appropriate research design, sample and mode of data collection; appreciation of the principles involved in designing and selecting samples for household surveys; drawing conclusions from the results of data analyses, using appropriate tabulations of the data and methods of statistical analysis. Clarification of issues involved in the design of a research project.   Planning of quantitative studies. Simple random sampling, cluster sampling, calculating sample size stratification and design effects. Questionnaire design and logistics of collection of data, data analysis and presentation and the dissemination of results.