Research methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate qualitative and/or quantitative research evidence and synthesise recommendations for your area of health and/ or social care practice.
• Justify the choice of evidence or appropriate research approach (s) for data collection and analysis for your identified research or EBP question/ topic.
• Critically explore ethical issues for the conduct of research and application of research evidence to health and/ or social care practice.
• Critically analyse the contribution of research and EBP in health/social care.
• Identify questions/ topics relating to your area of practice and carry out a comprehensive literature search.

Evidence in Health, Social Care and Rehabilitation

The importance of research and evidence- based practice in health and/ or social care practice; ways in which evidence used to inform practice and underpin health and social care policy.

Searching and Critically Appraising the Literature to Inform Research Questions/ Topics

Sourcing information; searching journal and electronic sources of information; critically appraising research material from the literature to identify its overall strengths and limitations; practical experience at formulating questions for evidence based practice and/ or research in your area of interest; locating and using critical appraisal tools.

Research Paradigms and designs

Key research paradigms and major debates about research design and conduct in health and social care settings, including for example, distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative approaches, the notion of a continuum of evidence, and the exploration of a range of research methodologies and data collection methods across both paradigms, such as trials, exploratory studies, and surveys

Data Collection Methods

The main data collection methods used in quantitative and qualitative research to inform evidence based practice and issues of reliability, validity, credibility and dependability, including for example, individual and focus group interviews, and questionnaire design.

Data Analysis

Analysing and reporting both qualitative and quantitative data, including for example, descriptive and inferential statistics, and content/thematic data analysis

Ethical Considerations and Research Governance

The importance of ethical, governance and access considerations related to research in health and social care settings and the application of evidence in practice.

Role of Reflexivity

Reflection on self to participate in research and evidence based practice.

Evaluation and Use of Evidence to Inform Practice

Implications for practice of research evidence, considering service users, professionals and service provision.

Study skills

Writing and studying at masters level; e-learning skills; peer assessment.

The module will be delivered using a blended approach of small group work in Learning Sets and on-line delivery.

The approach taken will be self-directed learning and will require critical reflection to facilitate professional growth and development.

To support such self-directed learning, the module profile, syllabus, interactive resources and course documentation will be available on Blackboard.

You will be required to engage in scheduled Learning Sets.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Draft essay

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Seminar Group Leads will provide individual written feedback to students on formative assignments.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.