This activity gives you the opportunity to apply and build upon what you have learned about epidemiology in this course so far. You will read and critically evaluate an epidemiological research paper of your choice.

Step 1: Review the list of questions outlined below that should be considered when critiquing and evaluating an epidemiology paper. This list is compiled from the resources found in module 6.

Background:

Measures of exposure(s) and outcome(s):

Confounding and bias:

Data analysis:

Results and discussion:

Step 2: Select a Research Report that interests you from this free issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. When you read your selected article, keep in mind the list of questions that should be considered when critiquing and evaluating an epidemiology paper as outlined in Step 1.

Step 3: In your own words, summarize the aim, the methods, and the main findings of the research paper you selected. Your answer should contain 200-300 words. Make sure you properly cite your selected paper in a footnote. Any citation style that includes the authors and/or source organizations, URLs and publication dates is acceptable. For APA style citations please see McGill University’s APA Citation Style Guide: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/files/library/APA.pdf

Step 4. In 500-750 words, critically discuss the paper you chose by answering at least 6 of the questions presented in step 1. However you must select and discuss at least one question from each of the following sections: Background, Methods, Measures of exposure(s) and outcome(s), Confounding and bias, Data analysis, and Results and discussion.

Step 5: Review your work by asking yourself the questions listed below and then revise your document accordingly before final submission to ensure you capture the self-evaluation questions:

1. Have I included a brief summary that covers the aim, methods, and main findings of the research paper I selected?
2. Did I properly cite the research paper, mentioning the authors, source organizations, URLs, and publication dates as applicable?
3. In my own words, did I thoroughly discuss each of the following sections: Background, Methods, Measures of exposure(s), and outcome(s)?
4. Is the length of my assignment within the set word limit, not exceeding 750 words?

Carefully evaluate your work using these queries as a guide to verify that your assignment meets all specified requirements. After fine-tuning your assignment based on this assessment, proceed to submit the final copy to the designated course platform's submission area for completion.

Step 6: Submit your assignment by clicking “add a new discussion topic” below and completing the fields.

OPTIONAL Step 7: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”