Case Studies, Case Series and Cross-Sectional Studies
PHS_606
Module 5: Principles and Methods for Program Planning and Evaluation: Study Designs
PHS_606
Module 5: Principles and Methods for Program Planning and Evaluation: Study Designs
© University of Waterloo and others XXXXXXXXXX1-3
© University of Waterloo and others XXXXXXXXXX1-3
Ecologic Studies
PHS_606
Module 5: Principles and Methods for Program Planning and Evaluation: Study Designs
© University of Waterloo and others XXXXXXXXXX1-4
Be sure to comply with the page limits and other format requirements. In fairness to other students, you will not earn marks for content that exceeds the page limit.
· 1 page for each of the study designs
· 1 page for question 3
· Include the 3 required subheadings (hypothetical study, strengths, and limitations)
· Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times Roman 12 pt font
For all course activities, acknowledge appropriately all sources used.
Assignment
Adolescent mental health is a major issue globally with depression being one of the leading causes of illness in adolescents. Your health unit is within the greater Toronto area and some of your colleagues have expressed concern over the mental health of the many adolescents whose families have recently relocated to Canada (e.g., economic & reunification immigrants, refugees, etc). You are aware of a new program that is to be introduced into the public schools in your region which aims to reduce acculturative stress in school environments and enhance the coping skills of students.
You have an interest in immigrant health and your Medical Officer of Health has agreed to support your investigations in this area. In consultations with the MOH, you will conduct studies that address the question “Does acculturative stress increase the risk of depression in adolescents?”
Part A. (Questions 1 to 7)
Describe one hypothetical study for each study design to answer the question “Does acculturative stress increase the risk of depression in adolescents?” Be sure that your hypothetical study clearly shows the characteristic features of each study design.
Then,
iefly discuss the major strengths and limitations of each of these designs to address the question.
Thus, your one-page description of each study design should have three parts: (a) hypothetical study; (b) strengths; and (c) limitations.
1. ecologic study
2. cross-sectional study
Part B.
3. Briefly assess each study design regarding its appropriateness for the study question. Include a conclusion as to which design(s) would be most and least appropriate with a clear rationale for your choices.
Apply the research question to each study design even if it is not feasible. Note that when a study design is not feasible, it can be tempting to revise the study question so that it becomes feasible. Answering a different study question, however, does not clearly demonstrate your understanding of the study designs, so be sure to apply the study design to the exact study question. Question 3 will provide the opportunity to discuss the appropriateness of the study designs.
Be sure that your discussion of strengths and limitations applies specifically to the research question rather than simply providing a list of general strengths and limitations of the study design. Not all general strengths and limitations of a particular study design will necessarily apply for the research question of interest, and some will be more important than others. Simply listing generic strengths and weaknesses will only earn partial marks for that section, since it is the application of these study features to a particular question that demonstrates your understanding.