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MedEd Scholarship Toolkit

MERS Resource Library

This resource library empowers medical educators to conduct and disseminate impactful research in medical education. It offers a curated collection of resources, including articles, books, podcasts, presentations, and more, covering research methodologies, publication strategies, and IRB protocols. The library supports evidence-based practices and fosters innovation in medical education scholarship.

In this guide you will information for the following:
 

Foundations of Medical Education Research provides essential resources for conducting and disseminating impactful scholarship in medical education.

  • Navigating the literature

Navigating the literature involves efficiently and effectively searching, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant research to inform scholarly work.

  • Research Methods

Research methods are the systematic processes and techniques used to gather and analyze data to answer research questions or test hypotheses.

  • Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

Conceptual and theoretical frameworks provide a structure for understanding and interpreting research findings by outlining key concepts, relationships, and assumptions.

Focus groups gather qualitative data through guided discussions with small groups of participants to explore shared perspectives and experiences on a specific topic.

This case study demonstrates the effective use of focus groups to gather rich qualitative data on a specific research question.

Layered analysis involves examining data through multiple lenses or perspectives to uncover deeper meanings and complex relationships.

  • Literature Reviews

A literature review synthesizes existing research on a specific topic, identifying key themes, gaps in knowledge, and areas for future investigation.

This overview explores various types of literature reviews, outlining their purposes, methodologies, and common applications in research.

Scoping reviews map the existing literature on a broad topic, identifying key concepts, research gaps, and the extent of available evidence.

  • Qualitative research broadly

Qualitative research explores complex social phenomena through in-depth data collection and analysis, focusing on meaning-making and lived experiences.

Reflexivity involves critically examining one's own biases, assumptions, and perspectives and how they influence the research process and interpretation of findings.

  • Sample Size

Sample size refers to the number of participants or data points included in a study, carefully determined to ensure reliable and generalizable results.

  • Thematic Analysis
    Thematic analysis identifies, analyzes, and reports patterns (themes) within qualitative data.
  • Using surveys

Surveys utilize structured questionnaires or interviews to collect data from a sample population, enabling researchers to gather information about attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

  • Using theory in MERS

Using theory in medical education research (MERS) provides a framework for understanding, interpreting, and guiding research on teaching, learning, and assessment in medical contexts.

Writing manuscripts effectively communicates research findings by clearly and concisely presenting the study's purpose, methods, results, and implications.

  • Writers craft resources

Writer's craft resources provide tools and guidance to enhance writing skills, covering areas like grammar, style, structure, and effective communication.

  • Problem Gap Hook

The problem-gap-hook strategy in academic writing establishes the context by presenting a problem, identifies a gap in current knowledge, and hooks the reader with the study's relevance.

  • Getting published

Getting published involves navigating the submission, peer review, and revision processes to successfully disseminate research findings in a reputable journal or other scholarly venue.

  • Finding an appropriate journal

Finding an appropriate journal involves carefully considering factors like audience, scope, impact factor, and publication guidelines to ensure the best fit for your research.

These resources provide concise summaries of key medical education journals, highlighting their scope, audience, and impact on the field.

Academic Medicine, the journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, publishes scholarly work focused on leadership, innovation, and best practices in medical education, research, and patient care.

The editorial process for academic journals involves rigorous peer review, revisions, and editorial decisions to ensure the quality and integrity of published research.

Writing resources offer support and guidance to improve writing skills, covering various aspects such as grammar, style, structure, and the writing process.

  • Types of submissions

Different submission types cater to various research outputs, including original research articles, reviews, case reports, editorials, and letters to the editor.

  • Creating a Poster

Creating a poster effectively communicates research findings visually, using concise text and compelling graphics to engage viewers and convey key messages.

  • IRB

IRB protocols outline research procedures and safeguards to ensure the ethical treatment of human participants in research studies.