Session 41 – Getting Started: How to Evaluate Observational Research

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of evaluating observational research, with special attention to its applications in psychology and psychosocial fields. Participants will learn about the main types of observational study designs—cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional—and consider the strengths and limitations of each. A central focus will be on the types of bias most commonly associated with these designs and how such bias can affect the interpretation of findings. By analyzing examples from published studies, learners will practice identifying potential sources of bias, assessing whether the chosen design was appropriate for the study’s aims, and evaluating the overall quality of observational evidence. The course is designed for participants without prior expertise in research methods and aims to provide clear, practical tools for critically engaging with observational studies in applied contexts.