Comparing Online and On-site Training in Health Research Methodology
Author Information
Author(s): Aggarwal Rakesh, Gupte Nikhil, Kass Nancy, Taylor Holly, Ali Joseph, Bhan Anant, Aggarwal Amita, Sisson Stephen D, Kanchanaraksa Sukon, McKenzie-White Jane, McGready John, Miotti Paolo, Bollinger Robert C
Primary Institution: Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
Hypothesis
Both on-site and on-line course formats would lead to similar gains in knowledge for students in Biostatistics and Research Ethics.
Conclusion
Both online and on-site training formats led to significant improvements in knowledge in Biostatistics and Research Ethics.
Supporting Evidence
- Knowledge scores improved significantly for both online and on-site training formats.
- Participants reported high satisfaction levels for both training formats.
- Improvements in knowledge were sustained for three months after course completion.
Takeaway
This study shows that learning online can be just as effective as learning in a classroom, especially for health research.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to either an online or on-site training format and assessed for knowledge gains before and after the courses.
Potential Biases
Participants were self-selected volunteers, which may introduce bias in motivation and prior knowledge.
Limitations
Participants may not represent the broader population of biomedical researchers, and results may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 34 years, with 78% male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001 for Biostatistics and p < 0.001 for Research Ethics improvements.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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