Introduction (100 words)
Setting out what the essay will critically review three articles on three types of study designs – cross-sectional, cohort and randomised controlled studies – and briefly discuss what epidemiology is, its importance to public health and the general steps of an epidemiological study.
Background (650 words)
What is epidemiology
What are the general steps when doing epidemiological (public health) research
Define the three study types you are appraising and discuss their general strengths and weaknesses
Main Body (700 words for each study, 2100 words)
Critically review the three articles – a cross-sectional study, a cohort study and a randomised controlled trial (in any order) – one by one using the simple (8) question checklist below.
Conclusion (150 words)
Discuss the value of epidemiology research in supporting public health theory and practice.
8 question checklist
- The aim (and objectives) of the research study?
- What kind of study was it e.g. randomised controlled trial, cross-sectional study, cohort study, evaluation study?
- Where and when was it done?
- Briefly, what kind of participants were involved (people), how many participants were there, and what was their background characteristics?
(e.g. age, ethnicity, sex/gender, education, other). - What was done in the research and how was information gathered?
(what was measured, how was it measured, if an intervention was carried out what did the intervention involve e.g. an exercise programme was run for 6 weeks, that involved a range of activities such as….). - What are the key findings mentioned in the discussion section?
- What do the authors’ identify as the strengths and limitations (weaknesses) of their study? (if not specifically identified, then say so, but read carefully they may have a separate section on this or they may not and discuss these issues in the article’s discussion section)
- What do the authors’ identify as the value of the research and what do they recommend for future research and/or public health policy?