Introductory Courses

Level 1: Reading and interpreting quantitative research syntheses: an introduction to the methodology

Aims

The key aim at this level was to develop understanding of the methodology to enable more informed discussion, interpretation and critique.

Who is the course for?

The course was aimed at a wide audience including research students, research associates, academic researchers, research methods course leaders and policy makers.

Course Content

Issues covered included: systematic reviewing and meta-analysis; types of quantitative synthesis; effect size as measure (especially in intervention research); interpreting effect size differences; key issues (heterogeneity/homogeneity); weighted means; quality issues; publication bias; discipline specific issues in education and exploration of the 'warrant' of the findings of quantitative synthesis.

Please look at the sample programme and the course reading list.

When?

The first  and second round of one-day courses have now been completed.

Please take a look at the feedback page to see what the attendees thought of the course.

Cost

Up to 30 people were accommodated on the course. The places were free and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. A buffet lunch and refreshments were provided free of charge. Participants were responsible for any travel or subsistence expenses.

A good grounding for people new to the topic

Feedback from one of the attendees on the Durham introductory course December 2008