IMPACT OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY WORKSHOPS ON KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN RESEARCH DESIGN, SAMPLING AND STATISTICAL TESTING AMONG CONSULTANTS IN MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN: A QUASI- EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Muhammad Irfanullah Siddiqui; Shakeeb Irfan; Asim Awan

doi:10.46903/gjms/23.4.1990

IMPACT OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY WORKSHOPS ON KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN RESEARCH DESIGN, SAMPLING AND STATISTICAL TESTING AMONG CONSULTANTS IN MAJOR CITIES OF PAKISTAN: A QUASI- EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Muhammad Irfanullah Siddiqui, Shakeeb Irfan, Asim Awan

Abstract

Background: Conducting research involves several challenges, including selecting an appropriate study design, applying proper sampling techniques, data presentation, and choosing appropriate statistical tests. This study aimed to compare participants’ pre- and post-workshop knowledge and skills regarding study design, sampling techniques, sample size estimation, use of statistical software, data summarization, data presentation, and data analysis to improve their ability to conduct practical research.

Materials & Methods: This study is multicenter research conducted in various cities of Pakistan from January 01,2025 to February 20, 2025, involving consultants from different medical specialties. A total of 480 consultants were randomly selected from various medical colleges across 12 major cities in Pakistan. All participants completed a pre-test questionnaire before the workshop and the same questionnaire as a post-test after the sessions, prior to receiving their certificates. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Categorical variables were presented as proportions and percentages, with McNemar’s test used to compare pre-test and post-test responses. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 438 participants completed both the pre- and post-test assessments. A highly significant improvement was observed in the mean scores 5.137 in the pre-test compared to 7.657 in the post-test. Mean scores were compared by applying a paired t-test and a highly significant improvement was observed (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also noted in knowledge of study design, sampling techniques, and data analysis. However, no significant change was observed in data presentation skills.

Conclusion: Research methodology workshops are effective in enhancing participants’ knowledge, analytical abilities, and critical thinking skills. Conducting such workshops regularly in teaching institutions can help foster a strong research culture nationwide.

Keywords

Challenges; Clinical Trials; Data analysis; Methodology; Research; study design; Teacher training.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46903/gjms/23.4.1990