The aims of this module are to enable the student to critically evaluate and analyse a range of research and practice-based evidence and consider how this may be used to enhance and inform practice.

Module Content:
This module will examine the epistemology of research, the principles of ethical research and a critical analysis of how it is used in practice.

Key aspects of content will address data collection and analysis methods and concepts of validity, reliability, rigour and trustworthiness.

It will also incorporate other forms of evidence including audit and service evaluation.

The emphasis throughout this module will be on the use and relevance of research skills to practitioners seeking to assess, improve or evaluate services.

The module will harness students existing personal and life skills and knowledge of care as a basis for developing learning that is relevant and focussed on their practice needs and stage of professional development.

The module learning outcomes will be met through a combination of activities including lectures, small group work and work-based activities designed to link theoretical perspectives with practice. Tutorials will be used to enable students to discuss specific issues that interest them in the context of their practice. Additionally, online and work-based activities will be used to enhance self-directed learning.

Learning and teaching will normally include:

• An introduction to research methodologies and methods, including secondary research (systematic review and meta-analysis).
• Critical examination of a range of ways of collecting qualitative and quantitative data.
• Critical examination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques including commonly used statistics and qualitative methods such as thematic analysis.
• Methods of standardising measurement techniques and ensuring validity, reliability, credibility and trustworthiness.
• The principles of ethical research

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically...

• Critically evaluate and discuss qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and relevant research theories.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, resource, and ethical implications.
• Critically discuss how research generates new knowledge and addresses shortfalls in existing knowledge in practice.
• Demonstrate understanding of how a complex web of evidence may be applied in professional practice.

Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically...

• Conduct a literature search and retrieve a range of international and national research evidence relevant to professional practice.
• Utilise a systematic and integrative approach to evidence, applying theories where appropriate.
• Recognise the complex interactions between evidence, resources, and other organisational constraints.

Number of Learner Hours: 

1.    Scheduled - 28

2.    Independent - 122

3.    Placement/work-based learning - 0

Assessment:

The assessment for this module is a presentation which critically appraises research relevant to a clinical issue from the students own area of practice.

The presentation should demonstrate a critical awareness of how research may be used to refine understanding of the clinical issue and facilitate evidence-based practice.