Five Day Faculty Development Programme on Research Methodology (A Hands-on Experience)
20.08.2024 to 24.08.2024
Day 3
Technical session 8 & 9: Introduction to Statistical Analysis of Data and Biostatistics
Resource person: Dr. Harsha S, Assistant professor of statistics, Yenapoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte
Session 8
The third day of the Faculty Development Program (FDP) on 21-08-2024 began with a highly informative session on “Introduction to Statistical Analysis of Data and Biostatistics.” The session was conducted by Dr. Harsha S, Assistant professor of statistics, Yenapoya (Deemed to be university), Deralakatte. The morning session focused on equipping the participants with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in statistical analysis, which is essential for interpreting data in various research domains.
The session opened with an overview of role of statistics in research. The fundamentals of statistical analysis were covered, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants were introduced to the various types of data, data collection method and the importance of data quality in statistical analysis. The concept of hypothesis testing was introduced, along with its role in statistical decision-making. The instructor explained the null and alternative hypotheses, types of errors (Type I and Type II), and the significance level (p-value). Commonly used tests such as t-tests and ANOVA were discussed, with examples relevant to biostatistics.
Session 9
After a short break the session continued with the practical demonstrations using statistical software. Participants were guided through the process of entering data, performing basic statistical tests, and interpreting the output. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment.
Technical session 10 & 11: Construction of Questionnaire and Validation of Instrument
Resource person: Ms. Shubharekha, Assistant Professor, St. Agnes College Mangalore
Session 10
After a productive morning session focused on statistical analysis and biostatistics, the afternoon session of the third day of the Faculty Development Program (FDP) shifted its focus to the critical aspects of research methodology, specifically the “Construction of Questionnaire and Validation of Instrument.” engaged by Ms.Shubharekha, Assistant professor, St.Agnes College Mangalore.
The session began with an introduction to the fundamentals of questionnaire design. The instructor explained the importance of carefully crafting questions to ensure they are clear, concise, and relevant to the research objectives. Different types of questions were discussed, including open-ended, close-ended and multiple-choice questions. The importance of organizing the questionnaire in a logical and user-friendly manner was highlighted. The instructor provided guidelines on structuring sections, sequencing questions, and formatting the questionnaire to enhance respondent engagement and accuracy of responses. The ethical aspects of questionnaire design were addressed, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring respondent anonymity, and being mindful of sensitive questions. Participants were reminded of the ethical responsibilities involved in data collection.
Session 11
A comprehensive segment on instrument validation was conducted after taking a short break where participants were taught the different types of validity: content validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity. The session provided practical approaches for validating questionnaires, such as expert reviews, factor analysis, and ensuring that the instrument accurately measures what it is intended to measure. Reliability Testing: The session also covered reliability testing, focusing on the consistency of the measurement tool over time. The instructor explained methods such as test-retest reliability, internal consistency (e.g., Cranach’s Alpha), and inter-rater reliability. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, providing participants the opportunity to clarify their doubts, discuss specific challenges.
