Title:	Sampling methods: developing sampling strategies for epidemiological studies
Keywords:	Research Epidemiology
Country:	Portugal
Institution:	Portugal - Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical , Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Course coordinator:	Prof. Inês Fronteira
Date start:	2018-09-04
Date end:	2018-09-15
About duration and dates:	2 weeks , full time
Classification:	advanced optional
Mode of delivery:	Face to face
Course location: Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Rua da Junqueira Nº 100 1349-008 Lisboa Portugal
ECTS credit points:	2 ECTS credits
SIT: 60 hours SIT Contact: 20 hours (12 of Lectures, 8 Tutorials) Self-study: 40 hours (20 private reading, 20 writing assessment)
Language:	English
Description: This module aims at training students in the development of a sampling strategy and the selection of sample units for specific types of sampling methods. More specifically, by the end of the module, students should be able to, accordingly to a research question and an appropriate study design to answer to that question: - Critically select the type of sample to be drawn and justify their choice - Develop a sampling strategy that includes: identification of basic sample units and means to effectively reach those basic sample units (e.g., sampling frames, selection of BSU)
Assessment Procedures: If students do not attend at least two thirds of the lessons, they are automatically dismissed from the course without any refund. Students will be assessed by 1 – Group work – the work developed by the group during tutorials, presentation and discussion will be assessed using a checklist that will be given to students when the group assignments are distributed. The assessment will be on the group, thus it is expected that all students will have the same grade. The grade of the group work will represent 40% of the student final grade and must be equal or above 10 (out of 20) 2. Individual written work (max 3500 words) – after presentation and discussion of group work, students will be given an individual assignment consisting of an introduction, research question and objectives of the study and a study design. Students must choose and justify the choice of the type of sample, identify BSU, sampling frames etc. and develop an implementation plan. The assignment will be the same for all students and not necessarily similar to those developed by the groups. A checklist will be used to assess the written work and it will be presented to students at the same time of the individual written assignment. The grade of the written work will represent 60% of the final grade and must be equal or above 10 (out of 20) If students do not reach 10 out of 20 as the final mark they will have to do a written re-sit 60 minute exam 4 weeks after the course.
Content: Students attending this course should have previous knowledge (definition and major features, advantages and disadvantages) on simple random sampling, stratified sampling, quota sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, snowball sampling, respondent driven sampling. In the first part of the course, concepts on sampling will be reviewed and will cover 1. Introduction to sampling: 1.1. What makes a good sample? Considerations about representativeness, external and internal validity; 1.2. Sampling and non-sampling errors: random errors, bias and confounders. 2. From designing a good sample to choosing sampling units: 2.1. Common sample designs in epidemiology and major features: simple random sampling, stratified sampling, quota sampling, cluster sampling, systematic sampling, snowball sampling, respondent driven sampling; After reviewing the contents above mentioned, we will focus on how to design effective sampling strategies, i.e, how to go from the theoretical sampling procedure to really getting the basic sample units needed to answer the research question. Thus, we will focus on: 3. choice of sampling frames and sampling units according to a given type of sample, preparing field work (e.g., preparing manuals for guaranteeing that those collecting data are able to select the BSU with a minimum bias possible.
Methods: Interactive method The theory about type of samples and sampling principles are going to be reviewed in interactive lectures and the subject of designing sampling strategies, i.e., how to effectively reach those what we want to sample will be also covered (12h). Problem based learning After that, students are going to be divided into small groups (3 students per group). Each group will be given an assignment consisting of a problem consisting of an introduction (background for the research question), a research question, the objectives of the study and the type of study to be conducted (e.g., RCT, Cohort, etc). Students will be asked to select the most appropriate type of sample to answer to research question and to justify their choice. Additionally they will have to identify, when applicable, the sampling frame, basic sample unit, and develop a strategy to select the BSU as a well as an implementation guide of the sampling strategy. Each group will have a different research question to work on and will have to prepare an oral presentation of their work. Groups will have tutorials (8h) with the teacher to discuss and guide their choices. This presentation will be discussed in a plenary session with the other groups and with the teacher. The teacher will comment on the work developed and students from other groups are also expected to participate in the discussion.
Prerequisites: Students should have prior knowledge on types of samples and their basic design and on computation of sample size. Students should be proficient in English or Portuguese. Level of English proficiency expected: TOEFL test score 213 computer-based or 550 paper-based or 79-80 internet-based or IELTS band 6.0. Students admitted to a Public Sciences related Master’s Degree Programme may join this course (e.g. tropEd Network).
Attendance: Maximum number of students: 20; Minimum 10
Selection: Eligible students will be admitted on a first come first served basis
Fees: 200 EUR
Scholarships: Not available
tropEd accreditation: Accredited in June 2014. This accreditation is valid until June 2019.
Remarks: This module is part of the IHMT post graduate programmes in Epidemiology (MSc).
Email Address:	mrfom@ihmt.unl.pt
Date Of Record Creation:	2014-06-23 08:16:11 (W3C-DTF)
Date Of Record Release:	2014-06-23 13:23:22 (W3C-DTF)
Date Record Checked:	2016-01-30 (W3C-DTF)
Date Last Modified:	2021-11-20 22:30:54 (W3C-DTF)