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Filippos Filippidis
Epidemiological studies can provide valuable insights about the frequency of a disease, its potential causes and the effectiveness of available treatments. Selecting an appropriate study design can take you a long way when trying to answer such a question. However, this is by no means enough. A study can yield biased results for many different reasons. This course offers an introduction to some of these factors and provides guidance on how to deal with bias in epidemiological research. In this course you will learn about the main types of bias and what effect they might have on your study findings. You will then focus on the concept of confounding and you will explore various methods to identify and control for confounding in different study designs. In the last module of this course we will discuss the phenomenon of effect modification, which is key to understanding and interpreting study results. We will finish the course with a broader discussion of causality in epidemiology and we will highlight how you can utilise all the tools that you have learnt to decide whether your findings indicate a true association and if this can be considered causal.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Validity and Bias
Every time you conduct a study, the most important questions to ask are whether your results are an accurate reflection of the truth both within your sample and in the broader population of interest. This is called validity of the study and more or less determines if your study is of any value. In this module we will discuss what validity actually means and we will describe the different types of systematic error, or bias that may undermine the validity of a study. You will learn how to identify and prevent selection bias and information bias and their variations.
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Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Validity and Bias
Every time you conduct a study, the most important questions to ask are whether your results are an accurate reflection of the truth both within your sample and in the broader population of interest. This is called validity of the study and more or less determines if your study is of any value. In this module we will discuss what validity actually means and we will describe the different types of systematic error, or bias that may undermine the validity of a study. You will learn how to identify and prevent selection bias and information bias and their variations.
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Traffic lights
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces advanced concepts in epidemiology, which are useful for students of public health, medicine, statistics, and those interested in health research
Taught by a professor who is recognized for their work in epidemiology
Provides a strong foundation for beginners
Emphasizes identifying and controlling for bias, which is a challenge in epidemiological research
Covers the concept of effect modification, which is key to understanding and interpreting study results
Requires students to have some basic knowledge of statistics and epidemiology
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Reviews summary
Clarity on epidemiology bias & validity
According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to validity and bias in epidemiology, particularly focusing on confounding and effect modification. Many found the explanations clear and well-structured, breaking down complex concepts into digestible modules. While the course is highly relevant for researchers and students in health sciences, some note that a basic understanding of statistics and epidemiology is beneficial, as the material can be challenging. Students report gaining a practical understanding of identifying and addressing bias in studies, although applying these concepts to messy real-world data might require further practice or supplemental study. Overall, reviews indicate a largely positive learning experience for those seeking to deepen their understanding of these critical epidemiological principles.
Good introduction, but deeper application may vary.
"Provides a solid foundation, but applying to complex data needs more."
"Excellent for understanding the concepts, maybe less for advanced application."
"I got a good overview, but implementing control methods in practice requires more."
Useful for real-world research applications.
"This course is very relevant to my work in public health research."
"I learned practical ways to identify and handle bias in studies."
"The examples provided helped connect theory to practice effectively."
Concepts like confounding are explained clearly.
"The course explained confounding and effect modification very clearly."
"I found the explanations of validity and bias easy to understand."
"The lectures broke down complex topics well, making them accessible."
Can be difficult without prior background.
"Requires a decent grasp of basic epidemiology and stats."
"Some parts were challenging for me as a beginner."
"Might be overwhelming if you have no prior exposure to these concepts."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Validity and Bias in Epidemiology with these
activities:
Review Statistical Methods
Show steps
Refreshes statistical methods for learners who may need a stronger foundation, which can strengthen the course content.
Browse courses on
Statistical Methods
Show steps
-
Review your notes from a previous statistics course.
-
Take practice quizzes on statistical methods.
-
Complete practice problems on statistical methods.
Review core concepts of epidemiology
Show steps
Solidify and recall concepts tied to core epidemiological practices.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Review previous work and coursework on epidemiology
-
Practice explaining basic terms of epidemiology
-
Identify strengths and weaknesses in epidemiologic research
Review Descriptive and Observational Studies
Show steps
Refreshes knowledge of types of epidemiological studies, which will help solidify knowledge for later units.
Browse courses on
Observational Studies
Show steps
-
Review your notes from the previous epidemiology course on descriptive and observational studies.
-
Read the first chapter of your textbook on epidemiology.
-
Take practice quizzes on descriptive and observational studies.
13 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 16 activities
Develop a presentation on bias in epidemiological research
Show steps
Reinforce learning and improve communication skills by teaching bias in epidemiological research
Browse courses on
Bias
Show steps
-
Research different types of bias in epidemiological research.
-
Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
-
Create engaging presentation slides.
-
Practice presenting the material.
-
Deliver the presentation.
Explore online resources on effect modification
Show steps
Extend understanding of the concept of effect modification and its influence on epidemiological studies.
Browse courses on
Effect Modification
Show steps
-
Read articles and watch videos on effect modification
-
Identify examples of effect modification in epidemiological studies
-
Discuss the implications of effect modification for the interpretation of study results
Design a study to investigate the effects of a new exposure on a health outcome
Show steps
Apply principles of study design to design a study that investigates the effects of an exposure on health
Browse courses on
Study Design
Show steps
-
Identify the research question and specific aims of the study.
-
Select a study design that is appropriate for the research question.
-
Develop a sampling strategy and sample size calculation.
-
Design the data collection instruments.
-
Obtain ethical approval for the study.
-
Conduct the study and collect data.
-
Analyze the data and interpret the results.
-
Write up the study findings in a scientific manuscript.
Practice Identifying Bias
Show steps
Gives practice identifying bias, preparing learners to better apply course concepts.
Show steps
-
Review the different types of bias.
-
Practice identifying bias in research articles.
-
Complete practice problems on bias.
Practice identifying and controlling for confounding variables
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of different methods for dealing with confounding.
Browse courses on
Confounding Variables
Show steps
-
Identify confounding variables in hypothetical epidemiological studies
-
Apply different methods for controlling for confounding
-
Interpret the results of studies with and without confounding control
Follow Tutorials on Bias in Epidemiological Research
Show steps
Complements course content with further examples and exercises, reinforcing understanding.
Browse courses on
Bias
Show steps
-
Find tutorials on bias in epidemiological research.
-
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
-
Summarize the main points of the tutorials.
Compile materials for later study
Show steps
Review resource materials to strengthen foundational understanding of research bias
Show steps
-
Gather notes and materials from the course to date.
-
Organize and sort the gathered materials.
-
Review for completeness and any gaps in understanding.
Discuss Confounding with Peers
Show steps
Deepens understanding of confounding through guided discussion.
Browse courses on
Confounding
Show steps
-
Meet with a peer who has similar interest in epidemiology.
-
Review the concept of confounding.
-
Discuss the different methods to control for confounding.
-
Apply the methods to a real-world example.
Apply methods to identify and control for confounding factors
Show steps
Gain proficiency in applying methods to control for confounding factors
Show steps
-
Identify the potential confounding factors.
-
Apply the appropriate method to control for the confounding factors.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of the confounding adjustment.
-
Repeat steps 1-3 for multiple confounding factors.
-
Summarize and interpret the results.
Create a data visualization of confounding factors
Show steps
Solidify understanding of the effects of confounding factors on research outcomes
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Organize and identify the relevant confounding factors.
-
Gather and assess the data related to the confounding factors.
-
Select a visualization tool and design the data visualization.
-
Present and defend your findings.
Create a Tutorial on Effect Modification
Show steps
Improves understanding of effect modification and demonstrates ability to explain the concept.
Browse courses on
Effect Modification
Show steps
-
Review the concept of effect modification.
-
Identify an example of effect modification from a research article or textbook.
-
Create a tutorial that explains the concept of effect modification, using the example you identified.
Explore causal inference models in epidemiology
Show steps
Deepen understanding of causal inference models and their application in epidemiology
Browse courses on
Causal Inference
Show steps
-
Review the basic principles of causal inference.
-
Learn about different types of causal inference models.
-
Apply causal inference models to epidemiological data.
-
Evaluate the validity and assumptions of causal inference models.
-
Develop recommendations for using causal inference models in epidemiological research.
Review Causality in Epidemiology
Show steps
Provides an in-depth understanding of causality in epidemiology, an important concept as it relates to validity.
View
Causal Inference
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book Causality in Epidemiology by Miguel Hernan and James Robins.
-
Summarize the main concepts of the book.
-
Apply the concepts to a real-world example.
Review Statistical Methods
Show steps
Refreshes statistical methods for learners who may need a stronger foundation, which can strengthen the course content.
Browse courses on
Statistical Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from a previous statistics course.
- Take practice quizzes on statistical methods.
- Complete practice problems on statistical methods.
Review core concepts of epidemiology
Show steps
Solidify and recall concepts tied to core epidemiological practices.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review previous work and coursework on epidemiology
- Practice explaining basic terms of epidemiology
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in epidemiologic research
Review Descriptive and Observational Studies
Show steps
Refreshes knowledge of types of epidemiological studies, which will help solidify knowledge for later units.
Browse courses on
Observational Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from the previous epidemiology course on descriptive and observational studies.
- Read the first chapter of your textbook on epidemiology.
- Take practice quizzes on descriptive and observational studies.
13 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 16 activities
Develop a presentation on bias in epidemiological research
Show steps
Reinforce learning and improve communication skills by teaching bias in epidemiological research
Browse courses on
Bias
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of bias in epidemiological research.
- Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
- Create engaging presentation slides.
- Practice presenting the material.
- Deliver the presentation.
Explore online resources on effect modification
Show steps
Extend understanding of the concept of effect modification and its influence on epidemiological studies.
Browse courses on
Effect Modification
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles and watch videos on effect modification
- Identify examples of effect modification in epidemiological studies
- Discuss the implications of effect modification for the interpretation of study results
Design a study to investigate the effects of a new exposure on a health outcome
Show steps
Apply principles of study design to design a study that investigates the effects of an exposure on health
Browse courses on
Study Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the research question and specific aims of the study.
- Select a study design that is appropriate for the research question.
- Develop a sampling strategy and sample size calculation.
- Design the data collection instruments.
- Obtain ethical approval for the study.
- Conduct the study and collect data.
- Analyze the data and interpret the results.
- Write up the study findings in a scientific manuscript.
Practice Identifying Bias
Show steps
Gives practice identifying bias, preparing learners to better apply course concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the different types of bias.
- Practice identifying bias in research articles.
- Complete practice problems on bias.
Practice identifying and controlling for confounding variables
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of different methods for dealing with confounding.
Browse courses on
Confounding Variables
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify confounding variables in hypothetical epidemiological studies
- Apply different methods for controlling for confounding
- Interpret the results of studies with and without confounding control
Follow Tutorials on Bias in Epidemiological Research
Show steps
Complements course content with further examples and exercises, reinforcing understanding.
Browse courses on
Bias
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials on bias in epidemiological research.
- Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
- Summarize the main points of the tutorials.
Compile materials for later study
Show steps
Review resource materials to strengthen foundational understanding of research bias
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather notes and materials from the course to date.
- Organize and sort the gathered materials.
- Review for completeness and any gaps in understanding.
Discuss Confounding with Peers
Show steps
Deepens understanding of confounding through guided discussion.
Browse courses on
Confounding
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Meet with a peer who has similar interest in epidemiology.
- Review the concept of confounding.
- Discuss the different methods to control for confounding.
- Apply the methods to a real-world example.
Apply methods to identify and control for confounding factors
Show steps
Gain proficiency in applying methods to control for confounding factors
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the potential confounding factors.
- Apply the appropriate method to control for the confounding factors.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the confounding adjustment.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for multiple confounding factors.
- Summarize and interpret the results.
Create a data visualization of confounding factors
Show steps
Solidify understanding of the effects of confounding factors on research outcomes
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize and identify the relevant confounding factors.
- Gather and assess the data related to the confounding factors.
- Select a visualization tool and design the data visualization.
- Present and defend your findings.
Create a Tutorial on Effect Modification
Show steps
Improves understanding of effect modification and demonstrates ability to explain the concept.
Browse courses on
Effect Modification
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the concept of effect modification.
- Identify an example of effect modification from a research article or textbook.
- Create a tutorial that explains the concept of effect modification, using the example you identified.
Explore causal inference models in epidemiology
Show steps
Deepen understanding of causal inference models and their application in epidemiology
Browse courses on
Causal Inference
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basic principles of causal inference.
- Learn about different types of causal inference models.
- Apply causal inference models to epidemiological data.
- Evaluate the validity and assumptions of causal inference models.
- Develop recommendations for using causal inference models in epidemiological research.
Review Causality in Epidemiology
Show steps
Provides an in-depth understanding of causality in epidemiology, an important concept as it relates to validity.
View
Causal Inference
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book Causality in Epidemiology by Miguel Hernan and James Robins.
- Summarize the main concepts of the book.
- Apply the concepts to a real-world example.
Career center
Learners who complete Validity and Bias in Epidemiology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate patterns and causes of diseases in human populations. By learning the skills of identifying and controlling bias in epidemiology, a person in this role may design studies with more accurate results. Understanding confounder variables can help improve the design of experiments to ensure that they are not influencing the results.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve business problems. Understanding how to prevent selection, bias, and confounding is critical to ensuring the validity of your models.
Public Health Researcher
Public Health Researcher
Public Health Researchers study the determinants of health and disease in populations. A key component of their work is the ability to design and conduct valid studies. This course will provide you with the foundation you need to understand the principles of validity and bias and how to apply them to your own research.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians use mathematical and statistical methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and marketing. This course is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of validity and bias in epidemiology. This knowledge will be essential for success in this field, as you will often be responsible for designing and conducting studies, and interpreting the results of those studies.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to the design, conduct, and analysis of studies in the biomedical sciences. This course will equip you with the skills you need to identify and control for bias in your research, which is essential for ensuring the validity of your results.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate health policies and programs. They use data to identify and address health problems, and they work to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. This course will help you to understand the principles of validity and bias in epidemiology, which are essential for designing and conducting studies to evaluate the effectiveness of health policies and programs.
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Research Associates manage the day-to-day operations of clinical trials, including patient recruitment, data collection, and regulatory compliance. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of validity and bias in epidemiology, which are essential for ensuring the quality and accuracy of clinical trial data.
Medical Writer
Medical Writer
Medical Writers create educational and promotional materials for the healthcare industry. A strong understanding of how to avoid selection, bias, and confounding will allow you to write accurate and reliable materials that are useful to healthcare professionals and patients.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement health promotion programs. This course will help you to understand the principles of validity and bias in epidemiology, which are essential for designing and evaluating effective health promotion programs.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. They work in a variety of fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles of validity and bias in epidemiology, which are essential for designing and conducting valid research studies.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. Understanding the principles of validity and bias is essential for accurately and effectively reporting on scientific research.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants help healthcare organizations improve their performance. An understanding of bias in clinical research is critical for evaluating the validity of studies that support clinical guidelines and treatment decisions.
Pharmacovigilance Associate
Pharmacovigilance Associate
Pharmacovigilance Associates monitor the safety of drugs and medical devices after they have been approved for use. Understanding the principles of validity and bias is essential for designing and conducting studies to evaluate the safety of drugs and medical devices.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and control risks in organizations. The principles of validity and bias are essential for understanding the reliability of data used to assess risks.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk and uncertainty. Understanding how to avoid selection, bias, and confounding is critical for actuaries when making decisions about insurance policies and other financial products.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hpj3cj/validity
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Validity and Bias in Epidemiology.
Save
Comprehensive and highly regarded introductory textbook, covering all aspects of the design, conduct, and analysis of epidemiological studies.
Save
Advanced textbook providing in-depth coverage of epidemiologic methods, study design, and data analysis.
Comprehensive reference covering a wide range of statistical methods used in epidemiology.
Practical guide to the use of epidemiology in public health settings.
Save
Concise and clear introduction to the principles and methods of causal inference in epidemiology.
Save
French-language textbook providing a comprehensive overview of epidemiology principles and methods.
Save
Highly accessible textbook providing a clear and concise overview of the principles and methods of epidemiology.
Spanish-language textbook providing a comprehensive overview of epidemiology principles and methods.
Indonesian-language textbook providing a comprehensive overview of epidemiology principles and methods.
Introductory textbook covering the basic principles and methods of biostatistics, including those used in epidemiology.
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Free online course providing a basic introduction to epidemiology principles and methods.
Save
Free online course providing a basic introduction to epidemiology principles and methods.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/hpj3cj/validity
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-4 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructor
Filippos Filippidis
Language
English
Transcripts
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Português
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Italiano
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Epidemiology for Public Health. It's comprised of three courses:
- Measuring Disease in Epidemiology
- Validity and Bias in Epidemiology (viewing)
- Study Designs in Epidemiology
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