Module NHS-4250:
Research Methods

Overview

Topics may include:

1. The scientific method (an overview of review, quantitative and qualitative approaches)
2. Secondary data analysis techniques.
3. Systematic and Scoping review techniques
4. Preparing for ethics and governance submission
5. Writing research proposals
6. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches and their methods.
7. Applied data collection techniques; questionnaire design, interview and observation
8. Design, pilot and analyse results from questionnaires, observations and interviews
9. Writing up review, quantitative and qualitative research
10. Reflexivity and the role of the researcher in qualitative research
11. Appropriately using a statistical package (SPSS) to assist with presentation and analysis of quantitative results
12. Appropriately applying a range of qualitative techniques/methods to assist with the analysis of qualitative results

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A) The student has an excellent understanding of the major components of the research process and demonstrates their understanding by selecting a relevant research questions with optimal methods chosen for addressing the question. Writing is clear, logical and informative.

Good (B) The student has a good understanding of the major components of the research process and demonstrates their understanding by selecting a relevant research question with appropriate methods chosen for addressing the question. Writing is clear and informative.

Threshold (C) The student understands the nature of the major components of the research process and demonstrates their understanding by selecting a relevant research question with generally appropriate methods chosen for addressing the question. Writing may lack clarity in places but on the whole is informative

Learning Outcomes

• Develop a research proposal following a standard template.

• Develop an appropriate study design and methodology to examine research questions based on review, quantitative or qualitative approaches

• Formulate and operationalise review, quantitative or qualitative research questions appropriate to a health and social care environment;

• Provide a rationale for choosing and utilising review, quantitative or qualitative research approaches to examine particular research questions;