How Nutrition Research is Conducted

Course Description

Developed in partnership with The Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Understanding how nutrition research is conducted is essential for interpreting evidence and communicating it effectively. In this module, you’ll explore various study designs, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, and learn how to assess their major strengths and weaknesses. This module also introduces the hierarchy of evidence, helping you understand the conclusions that can be drawn from each study design. By the end of the module, you’ll be equipped to evaluate research papers more critically and inform your decision-making.

How Nutrition Research is Conducted is one of three related courses comprising a series of skills related to Assessing Nutrition Information. The series equips you with the essential skills to critically evaluate nutrition-related information, research, and media in today’s fast-paced world. These courses are part of a portfolio of Nutrition related micro-credentials.

Continuing Education Units for Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): 

Assessing Nutrition Information: How Nutrition Research is Conducted awards 4.25 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission of Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Identify the different study designs used in nutrition research
• Describe the major strengths and limitations of different study designs
• Compare and contrast the type of information that can be attained from each study design

Basic Enrollment Requirements:

None

Completion Requirements:

This course is online and self-paced. Learners who enroll for the course ahead of the course start date will be given access to the course on the listed start date. For learners who enroll after the listed start date, access to the course will be given within 72 hours of enrollment, please lookout for an email invite to the course content. Learners will receive 8 weeks to complete the course and upon successful completion receive a digital badge.