Measurement and analysis of change in research scholars' knowledge and attitudes toward statistics after PhD coursework.
BMC Med Educ
; 24(1): 512, 2024 May 08.
Article
de En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38720300
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Knowledge of statistics is highly important for research scholars, as they are expected to submit a thesis based on original research as part of a PhD program. As statistics play a major role in the analysis and interpretation of scientific data, intensive training at the beginning of a PhD programme is essential. PhD coursework is mandatory in universities and higher education institutes in India. This study aimed to compare the scores of knowledge in statistics and attitudes towards statistics among the research scholars of an institute of medical higher education in South India at different time points of their PhD (i.e., before, soon after and 2-3 years after the coursework) to determine whether intensive training programs such as PhD coursework can change their knowledge or attitudes toward statistics.METHODS:
One hundred and thirty research scholars who had completed PhD coursework in the last three years were invited by e-mail to be part of the study. Knowledge and attitudes toward statistics before and soon after the coursework were already assessed as part of the coursework module. Knowledge and attitudes towards statistics 2-3 years after the coursework were assessed using Google forms. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was also sought.RESULTS:
Knowledge and attitude scores improved significantly subsequent to the coursework (i.e., soon after, percentage of change 77%, 43% respectively). However, there was significant reduction in knowledge and attitude scores 2-3 years after coursework compared to the scores soon after coursework; knowledge and attitude scores have decreased by 10%, 37% respectively.CONCLUSION:
The study concluded that the coursework program was beneficial for improving research scholars' knowledge and attitudes toward statistics. A refresher program 2-3 years after the coursework would greatly benefit the research scholars. Statistics educators must be empathetic to understanding scholars' anxiety and attitudes toward statistics and its influence on learning outcomes.Mots clés
Texte intégral:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Base de données:
MEDLINE
Sujet principal:
Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques en santé
Limites:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Pays/Région comme sujet:
Asia
Langue:
En
Journal:
BMC Med Educ
Sujet du journal:
EDUCACAO
Année:
2024
Type de document:
Article
Pays d'affiliation:
Inde
Pays de publication:
Royaume-Uni