Professor: Allen Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 12 Total Enrollment: 14 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 7 Jrs: 6 Srs: 1 Concs: 11 Non-Concs: 1 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 2.29 Course Average: 1.91

“Survey Research in Health Care” was a course designed to give students a background in various types of research methods used in the field of healthcare. There were no prerequisites, but many students responded that a background in statistics or basic community health would probably be helpful.

Students felt that though Professor Allen was clearly passionate about research, her disorganization made it difficult for her to communicate her knowledge to them. Members of the class complained that the themes of her lectures were not always apparent, as she tended to jump around between topics too much. She was, however, reported to have been very helpful when consulted, and was very approachable.

The course required that students attend labs every other week, write five lab reports, take a midterm and a final exam, and write a final paper. In general, most students thought that the labs and paper were good, while the exams were more arbitrary and harshly graded. Students commented that it would have been helpful to have had more assistance with analyzing output, and that the exams were graded more harshly than expected. Members of the class reported that the course packet was a useful supplement to the course, while the book was less useful.

Survey respondents reported spending two to four hours per week on this class, meeting most expectations. Students recommended taking this only if you are very interested in statistical research in health care, or if it is a requirement. Members of the class also warned that non-concentrators may find the material boring, but that for concentrators or enthusiasts, the material is good to know.

View BC/0132 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.