Learning Outcome 1: Evaluate contemporary epidemiological research literature for relevance, accuracy, bias and scope
Background information
There are often times in epidemiology where studies produce conflicting results, or where there are gaps in our knowledge around a topic; this may be due to any number of reasons, including underlying differences in the populations being studied, introduction of bias to the study, the result of random error, the presence of confounding, a misinterpretation or overstatement of the findings, or simply a lack of research within a field. As someone working in public health, the ability to read, understand and critique the literature is crucial; it is unlikely that we would change our practice based on the result of one study alone, however we need to be able to weigh and balance the evidence to draw conclusions and assess and evaluate the outcome from our own work.
The scenario we are asked to imagine for this assessment comes about very frequently in public health - we are working in an organisation and we have been asked to develop a policy position statement on a particular topic relevant to our field. Our decision-making should be based in evidence, with an objective review of what the scientific literature has to say on a particular topic underpinning our position. There will always be, however, many examples in the literature where there is not consensus - studies on the same topic may produce varying results, and so it falls to us to read, interpret, and come to our own conclusions.
Instructions
Assessment 2 is a critical analysis of the literature on a topic of public health significance and a summary of findings.
For this assessment you have a choice of topics. These topics have been specifically chosen because there is known to be conflicting evidence in the epidemiological literature. The purpose of this critical analysis is to present and unbiased review of the literature; we are not selecting studies that support only one point of view, but rather we are canvassing the literature for a range of evidence, reviewing and critiquing each article using our framework, and presenting a summary of the findings.
The two topic choices are:
- Coercive vs supportive strategies to improve vaccination rates - what does the evidence show?
- Legalisation of marijuana - what does the evidence show regarding the beneficial and detrimental effects of marijuana use?
Critical analysis is an important part of literature reviews, where we exhaustively search the literature for all of the evidence on a topic to synthesise and summarise the findings. For this critical analysis, you will be analysing SIX (6) articles on your topic. Two articles from each topic are provided below, and you must source the remaining four.
The four articles that you choose should be peer-reviewed, epidemiological studies sourced via the ECU Library. Articles used for your review should be primary research (original studies). It is very important that you speak with your lecturer if you are unsure. Articles such as systematic reviews, narrative reviews, opinions, and Government reports are not suitable to use. Articles should have been published in the last 10 years.
How to structure your report
The following sections are required, although subheadings in the main body are recommended in order to give structure and clarity to your work:
- Introduction - introduce the topic and provide background information
- Critical Analysis - an analysis of the topic from your six articles, highlighting major themes. Connect the analysis to your research question.
- Conclusion - identify the current gaps in knowledge, and how these may be addressed. Your conclusion should also come to a position as to where you think the weight of evidence sits, based on the studies you have read. It should be evident, based on your critical analysis, why you have come to this conclusion.
- Reflection - reflect on how each article has contributed to your understanding of the topic. Use examples from each article to connect to your reflection.
- Appendix (containing your completed critical analysis templates - six in total).
The conclusion should identify the current gaps in knowledge that you have identified as part of your critical analysis, and how these may be addressed. Your conclusion should also come to a position as to where you think the weight of evidence sits, based on the studies you have read. It should be evident, based on your critical analysis, why you have come to this conclusion.
