Methods Consult resource

Lara Varpio and Jonathan Sherbino in portraits.

When you need a little help, a second opinion, or just some advice from an expert colleague, you might call for a consult. These methods consults are precisely that: a little insight from a colleague who has medical education research experience and (some) expertise.

Enhance your research skills with Methods Consult. Dive into Methods Consult episodes for quick, expert guidance on essential research methods. Explore topics like:  

  • Choosing the proper literature review for your study.
  • Mastering thematic analysis.
  • Determining appropriate sample sizes.
  • Navigating research paradigms.

Each episode delivers practical insights in under 30 minutes, designed for educators and researchers in health professions education. Transform your research journey, one method at a time!

Episodes

#8 Methods Consult – Paradigms

Key points episode 8

This consult covers a topic that is the foundation of any research: the philosophies of science and research paradigms. Whether you’re explicitly aware of it or not, you have ideas and assumptions about how to conduct research. These ideas and assumptions are the groundwork for all the decisions you make when you conduct your research. But, when you work in an interdisciplinary field of research like health professions education, you realize that not everyone shares the same ideas and assumptions.

#18 Methods Consult – Thematic analysis

Key points episode 18

  • Defines thematic analysis (TA) as a method for identifying patterns in qualitative data.
  • Explores its flexibility across research paradigms.
  • Highlights reflexive TA and the researcher’s role in theme development.
  • Outlines the six phases of TA by Braun & Clarke.
#74 – Methods Consult – What type of literature review should I do?

Key points episode 74

  • Explains the spectrum of literature reviews, from systematic to scoping, realist, and narrative.
  • Introduces the objectivist–subjectivist continuum to help align your review with your research goals.
  • Offers strategies to navigate different review types and choose the most suitable approach.
  • Highlights the importance of understanding each review’s expectations regarding rigor, knowledge generation, and credibility.
  • Provides practical tools and resources to facilitate the literature review process.
#31 Methods Consult – Conceptual Frameworks, Theory, and Theoretical Frameworks

Key points episode 31

  • Defines conceptual frameworks, theories, and theoretical frameworks in research.
  • Clarifies their distinct roles in structuring and justifying studies.
  • Explains how these elements evolve as research develops.
  • Provides visual aids to illustrate key differences.
#54 – Methods Consult – Sample Size

Key points episode 54

Sample size is a crucial aspect of research design, particularly in experimental studies. It influences the reliability and validity of the study outcomes. Here, Lara and Jon will break down some key concepts and methods related to determining and calculating sample size.

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