Reference no: EM133981775

Introduction to Research in Health Care

Assessment

For this assessment select one of the three randomised controlled trials (RCT) provided on Canvas and critique it using the 13 short-answer questions from the revised JBI critical appraisal tool for RCTs (Barker et al., 2023). Your answers must demonstrate understanding of RCT methods and be supported by evidence and references.

Question 1: Was true randomization used for assignment of participants to treatment groups?

Question 2: Was allocation to groups concealed?

Question 3: Were treatment groups similar at the baseline?

Question 4: Were participants blind to treatment assignment?

Question 5: Were those delivering the treatment blind to treatment assignment?

Question 6: Were treatment groups treated identically other than the intervention of interest?

Question 7: Were outcome assessors blind to treatment assignment?

Question 8: Were outcomes measured in the same way for treatment groups?

Question 9: Were outcomes measured in a reliable way? Maximize your scores with our expert assignment help - get help now!

Question 10: Was follow up complete and if not, were differences between groups in terms of their follow up adequately described and analysed?

Question 11: Were participants analysed in the groups to which they were randomized?

Question 12: Was appropriate statistical analysis used?

Question 13: Was the trial design appropriate and any deviations from the standard RCT design (individual randomization, parallel groups) accounted for in the conduct and analysis of the trial?

Reference properly. Use APA 7. Include the RCT you critiqued and all methodological sources you cite.

Formatting & submission:
Use the Canvas template
Keep answers concise but clear (one short paragraph per question, approximately 75200 words for each question).
Submit by the deadline in Canvas.
JBI short-answer questions (answer each for your chosen RCT)

How to justify your judgements (evidence & references)

Primary evidence: always cite the trial itself (section, page, table/figure). Example: Methods-Randomisation (p.4), "A computer-generated random sequence..."

Methodological support: for each judgement cite at least one methodological authority explaining why the item matters (e.g., Barker et al. 2023; CONSORT 2010 statement; Cochrane Handbook chapters on RCT bias; standard epidemiology texts). These show you understand why the feature affects bias.

When reporting is absent: state "not reported" and explain the likely consequence (e.g., unclear allocation concealment increases risk of selection bias), with a methodological citation.

Short example (model answer structure for one question)

Q2. Allocation concealment
Answer (trial evidence): The trial reports "allocation envelopes were used" (Methods, p.5) but does not state whether envelopes were sequentially numbered, opaque, or sealed. Judgement: Allocation concealment - Unclear / Probably high risk. Because the method lacks details (non-sequential/transparent envelopes allow potential foreknowledge), selection bias is possible.

Supporting methodological reference: Barker et al. (2023) explain that adequate concealment (e.g., central randomisation or sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes) prevents selection bias and is distinct from sequence generation.

(Add full citation list at end.)
Final checklist before submission
I selected only one RCT from the three provided.
I answered all 13 short-answer JBI items in the Canvas template.
Each answer includes: trial evidence + methodological reference.
References are complete and formatted per course style.

Assessment: Presentation

Presentation
Assessment Type Purpose
Description Presentation
In this assessment, you will present a research plan on a chosen topic
The assignment is to be presented as an oral PowerPoint Presentation via zoom. Your presentation should address each component of the research plan, integrating the required elements clearly and concisely in a spoken format. Use slides (a template is provided) to support your presentation, ensuring your presentation is professional and engaging. Instructions for assessment requirements including how to book in for your oral the PowerPoint presentation are found in Canvas under Assignments.
IMPORTANT - Students who do not nominate or book an appointment, or who fail to attend their scheduled appointment without approved adverse circumstances, will be deemed as unattempted the assessment and will receive a component fail for the course.

Assessment Description:

In this assessment, you will present a qualitative research plan on a chosen topic. The assignment is to be presented as a Presentation. Your presentation should address each component of the research plan, integrating the required elements clearly and concisely in a spoken format. Use slides (a template is provided) to support your narrative, ensuring your presentation is professional and engaging.
Presentation Components:
1. Introduction and Background (2 minutes)
Introduce your research topic and provide the background for your qualitative study. Discuss why the research is needed, supported by high-quality, contemporary literature. Your presentation should cover:
The context of the study
The research setting
Sociocultural or clinical influences
The population of interest
Why research in this area is essential
Ensure you provide a justification for the study that highlights its significance.
2. Research Question (1 minute)
Clearly state your qualitative research question. This should:
Identify the study population
Specify the phenomenon of interest
Use appropriate qualitative research terminology
Make sure your research question is well-formulated, with a focus on the "what" or "how" aspect of your chosen phenomenon.
3. Study Design (3 minutes)
Describe the design of your study, ensuring that the methodology aligns with your research question. Include:
The methodology (e.g., narrative inquiry, ethnography, phenomenology)
Study population and eligibility criteria
Sampling method and recruitment strategies
Data collection methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups)
Data analysis methods (e.g., thematic or content analysis)
Ensure you explain why the chosen methodology is suitable for answering your research question.
4. Study Limitations and Rigour (1-2 minutes)

Discuss the potential limitations of your study and how you plan to ensure rigour and trustworthiness. You should address:
Credibility
Transferability
Dependability
Confirmability
Highlight any challenges the study might face and how these could impact the research findings.
5. Ethical Considerations (1-2 minutes)
Discuss the ethical considerations of your study. Focus on:
Vulnerable populations (such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, if applicable)
Recruitment and consent processes
Risk vs benefit analysis
Privacy and confidentiality
Data storage and de-identification
Use contemporary literature and relevant research policies to support your discussion.