Research Methodologies

The student must know some models of research designs in the field of epidemiology and public health, as well as master some methods of statistical analysis, both descriptive and inferential.

Theoretical-practical aspects and Practice:

• A) It is used an expositive-active methodology of easy understanding by the students.
• B) The exhibition will focus on the identification and understanding of the basic theoretical concepts of scientific research.
• C) Presentation of practical cases accompanied by theoretical interpretive models and exercises.

– The student should acquire knowledge:

1. About the fundamental concepts related to the research process. In this scope the student should have full knowledge about the different currents / approaches of investigation. Scientific research, as a particular method of acquiring knowledge, carries within itself a set of systematized rules and procedures that the student must master.

– The student should acquire the following skills:

1. Develop research based on the reality you wish to study as well as choose one or more research methods as well as appropriate strategies (methods and techniques).
2. Ability to develop a critical and reflective spirit about the strengths and weaknesses associated with each research method.
3. Provide students with the capacity to 1) organize a research process; 2) choose scientific methods appropriate to the research desired, and 3) analyze the real world challenges and develop formulations and solutions supported by scientific methods.

– The student should acquire the following competences:

1. Competence for the development of a systemic, methodical and rational thinking for the development of a study / research in the area of health and the environment.
2. Ability to communicate effectively and accurately the scientific results of research.

Part I:

Introduction to Science and Scientific Knowledge. Science – Introductory Perspective: Laws, Empirical Factors, Methods and Technique; The Scientific Revolution (16th and 17th centuries) and the different approaches to science (Pre and Post-Renaissance period); The 14th and 20th Century – Evolution and paradigm shifts. The definition of “Knowledge”, the Process of Knowledge; Types of Knowledge (Sensitive versus Intellectual). The “Thought” – Intellectual Activity. The Object of Knowledge – “Reality”. Levels of Knowledge about Reality: Empirical Knowledge, Philosophical Knowledge, Theological Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge. The Trinomial of Knowledge – Truth, Evidence and Certainty.

Scientific Research – Introductory Perspective. The Scientific Method in the Natural Sciences: Describe, Explain, Predict. Scientific knowledge as a rational, methodical and systematic process. The relationship between Scientific Knowledge and the contribution to the definition of Parameters of a Profession. Main elements of Scientific Research (Philosophical Thinking; Operations of Thought, Theory, Research, Practice, Knowledge and Science). Concrete Thinking versus Abstract Thinking. Method and Technique – Conceptual Approach; The Quantitative Research Method and the Qualitative Research Method. (10 hours)

Part II:

Formalization of a research intention – The Research Project: a) Conceptual Phase of the Research (Formulation of a Research Problem; State of the Art (type of sources; types of information; Electronic research; Electronic Research Tools and Bibliographic Reference; Research Objectives Research Questions or Hypotheses Conceptualization and Operationalization of Key Concepts The “Observation”: Types of Observation (Systematic, Unsystematic, Non-Participant, Participant, Individual, Team, Laboratory) The “Concepts”; The “Variables” (types) b) Methodological Phase (Research Designs; Population and Sample (Sample Estimation, Calculation; Rule of Thumb and Sample Estimation with Software); Types of Variables; Methods and Types of Collection Instruments); c ) Empirical/Experimental Phase (Data Collection; Data Analysis and decision-making regarding statistical models; d) Interpretation and Communication of results. (25 hours).

Part III:

Types Communication of information resulting from an investigation:

a) Communication in Scientific Poster Format

b) Communication in Scientific Article Format applied to quantitative and qualitative studies.

c) The Scientific Article with the application of a “Systematic Review”. (10 hours)

NAO

Primary Bibliography

1. Foddy, W. Como Perguntar, teoria e prática da construção de perguntas em entrevistas e questionários. Celta Editora, Oeiras; 1996.
2. Fortin, M-F. O Processo de Investigação – da conceção à realização. Lusociência, Loures; 1996
3. Gonzaga, R.A.F. Regras Básicas de Investigação Clínica. Instituto Piaget, coleção “Medicina e Saúde”, Lisboa, 1994.
4. Quivy, R.; Campenhoudt, L. Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. Gradiva, Lisboa; 1998.

Secondary Bibliography

1. Ramos, ST.; Naranjo, E.S. Metodologia da Investigação Científica. Editor: Escola Editora; Edição: Maio: 2014

2. Alves, M.P. Metodologia Científica. Editor: Escolar Editora; Edição: maio de 2012

3. Carvalho, J.E. Metodologia do Trabalho Científico – Saber Fazer da Investigação para Dissertações e Teses (2ª Edição). Editor: Escolar Editora; Edição: maio de 2009

4. Azevedo, C.A.; Azevedo, A.G. Metodologia Científica – Contributos Práticos para a Elaboração de Trabalhos Académicos (9ª Edição). Editora: UCP Editora; Edição: Novembro, 2008