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Research Methods & Evidence Based Practice - HEA00123M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sue Faulds
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module aims to facilitate your learning when you engage with research and evidence or with the research process, developing skills in the conduct of the early stages of the research process, the critical analysis of research, and in applying research findings to practice.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23
B Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims to facilitate your learning when you engage with research and evidence or with the research process, developing skills in the conduct of the early stages of the research process, the critical analysis of research, and in applying research findings to practice.

Module learning outcomes

  1. Develop an understanding of research as a process from systematic examination of existing knowledge and research question construction, through research design, data collection and analysis, to reporting and dissemination.

  2. Develop a research question iteratively through a critical review of existing research/evidence

  3. Describe the range of research designs used in health sciences, and be able to provide a justification for using a particular research design to address a given research question.

  4. Communicate an understanding of ethical issues in study protocol development, including research integrity and validity issues

Module content

Developing critical reflection skills to generate evidence

Generating evidence through reflection

Introduction to research methods and main designs used in health care

Qualitative and quantitative paradigms

Searching for the evidence

Critical appraisal of evidence

Introduction to audit methodology

Understanding audit and quality improvement

Approaches to analysing different types of evidence

Ethical considerations and research governance

Service user/carer and patient engagement with research

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical appraisal of the evidence		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

Non-compensatable

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical appraisal of the evidence		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback will be provided on the standard proforma within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.

Indicative reading

Elliott, G. Kadi-Hanifi K. (2018) Your guide to successful postgraduate study (student success) Sage Study Skills: UK

Flick, U. (2020). Introducing research methodology: Thinking your way through your research project Sage Publications: UK

Greenhalgh, T (2019). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Practice 6th edition Wiley Blackwell: UK

Jasper, M. Rosser, M. Mooney, G. (2013) Professional Development, reflection and decision making in nursing and health care (Advanced Healthcare Practice) Wiley Blackwell: UK


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.