Research Methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Show an understanding of the practical and ethical issues that should be considered when undertaking an inquiry
• Describe quantitative and qualitative approaches to generating knowledge in health and social care, and show understanding of their differing perspectives
• Discuss the features and characteristics of sampling methods, data collection methods and analysis relevant to quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Demonstrate the ability to rationalise (based on existing knowledge and/or patient and professional body priorities) how an inquiry of your choice could improve your profession
• Select and review relevant information (such as research evidence) in order to inform understanding of your profession
• Apply your knowledge of quantitative or qualitative methods to plan how to answer an inquiry of your choice

This module will introduce you to why inquiry (such as research, audit, service evaluation, literature review) is fundamental to the role of healthcare professionals, and what methods we use to carry out such inquiries.

The module begins with an overview of why we carry out research and other forms of inquiry and how these questions can arise in practice. This is followed by content relating to the principles of how we generate knowledge using quantitative and qualitative methods. This will include learning about methods of sampling, data collection and analysis and how they relate to one another. You will also learn about the important ethical and governance considerations that ensure an inquiry can be carried out with minimal risk.

This knowledge will allow you to plan and describe a protocol (for research or a literature review), supported by a project supervisor, which you will carry out in the Research Project module

This module involves taught sessions relating to:

• the purpose of research and other types of inquiry
• methods used in research
• selecting and reviewing literature
• how to write a protocol

The module will also involve profession-specific seminars to gain insight into research in your professional field. As part of a formative (unmarked) assessment, you will have an opportunity to discuss the topic of your project protocol, your proposed research question, and an outline of your proposed research design.

Individual or group meetings with supervisors will support the development of a protocol, which forms the summative assessment.

Formative

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

Project plan

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Written feedback e.g. as comments on Word document focussed on what was done well and indicating ways to improve
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

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

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.