BBH 310Research Strategies for Studying Biobehavioral Health

3 credits · Biobehavioral Health · Penn State

BBH 310 surveys the various research methodologies used in biomedical and behavioral research, including case, epidemiological, quasi-experimental and experimental approaches. The goals of this course are: (1) to provide students with a basic understanding in research methods; (2) to familiarize students with research strategies for studying Biobehavioral Health; (3) to develop critical thinkers and informed consumers of scientific research and health information; (4) to provide a basic understanding of the available approaches to research and interventions in order to address the complex set of determinants associated with public health problems that affect populations generally and those factors associated more specifically with racial and ethnic disparities in health. We will also talk about how research data are analyzed, interpreted, and translated into meaningful results in the form of a scientific paper, while addressing many of the important issues and concerns behind statistical assessments and outcomes. In addition, research ethics, responsibilities associated with conducting human research, and some of the perils of research, including issues associated with a study's method, design, and publication, will also be discussed.