title: Students' perspectives of undergraduate research methods education at three public medical schools in Uganda.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study we used a model of adult learning to explore undergraduate students' views on how to improve the teaching of research methods and biostatistics.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a secondary analysis of survey data of 600 undergraduate students from three medical schools in Uganda. The analysis looked at student's responses to an open ended section of a questionnaire on their views on undergraduate teaching of research methods and biostatistics. Qualitative phenomenological data analysis was done with a bias towards principles of adult learning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students appreciated the importance of learning research methods and biostatistics as a way of understanding research problems; appropriately interpreting statistical concepts during their training and post-qualification practice; and translating the knowledge acquired. Stressful teaching environment and inadequate educational resource materials were identified as impediments to effective learning. Suggestions for improved learning included: early and continuous exposure to the course; more active and practical approach to teaching; and a need for mentorship.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current methods of teaching research methods and biostatistics leave most of the students in the dissonance phase of learning resulting in none or poor student engagement that results in a failure to comprehend and/or appreciate the principles governing the use of different research methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Ian Guyton
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Munabi
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Buwembo
authors.affiliation: Medical student, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda.
authors.forename: Ruberwa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Medical student, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda.
authors.forename: Kawungezi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peter
authors.affiliation: Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bajunirwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Erisa Sabakaki
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Mwaka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056808:Biostatistics; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D012106:Research / Q000193:education*; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration; D014454:Uganda
keywords: Research methods; health professional; statistical education; undergraduate