Description

To enable the students to develop a sound understanding of research terminology, methods, and principles. This module builds on the foundation of the level 1 module PAM1003 (Evidence-based Practice and Lifelong learning). It is designed to enable students to understand different research designs, to evaluate the research literature and to prepare them to undertake research at undergraduate level.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. not applicable for this interprofessional module;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  2. demonstrate a clear understanding of key research concepts;
  3. undertake a critical review of the literature, using a systematic approach on a selected topic and present it succinctly;
  4. formulate a research question;
  5. select a research design that is appropriate to the research question;
  6. prepare an outline proposal and protocol for a research project, taking into account ethical issues, using a prescribed format and guidelines (and where appropriate use a format appropriate for submission to an ethics committee);
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  7. organise a programme of work;
  8. interact with other group members;
  9. write reports containing original material or analysis.

Syllabus Plan

1. Using appropriate resources for a literature search;
2. Undertaking a literature review
3. Selecting appropriate methodology
4. Formulating a research question
5. Ethical issues
6. Project management
7. Audit and Quality Assurance.
8. Data analysis
   Quantitative and qualitative data analysis and hypothesis testing

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes: The Literature Review should demonstrate a critical appraisal of the literature for the selected topic. The Project Protocol should demonstrate the selection and description of an appropriate methodology best suited to the research question. Students will be directed to appropriate journal articles and online materials. Refer to the Guidelines for Project Studies 1 for more information.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Polgar S. and Thomas S.A. (2007), Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (5^th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 978-0-443-07429-5 (UL: WB 25 POL)

Supplementary texts:

• Altman D.G. (2005), Practical Statistics for Medical Research, Chapman & Hall, ISBN 1-58-488039-2 (UL: W 150 ALT)
• Bury T. and Mead J. (1998), Evidence-Based Healthcare, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0-75-063783-8 (UL: 362.1068 BUR)
• Descombe M. (2003), The Good Research Guide: for Small-scale Social Research Projects, Buckingham OU Press (UL: XXX)
• Field A. (2000), Discovering statistics using SPSS for windows, Sage (UL: 519.50245 FIE)
• Hammell K.W., Carpenter C. and Dyck I. (2000), Using qualitative research - a practical introduction for occupational and physical therapists, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-4430-6232-3 (UL: 615.7515 USI)
• Hicks C. (2004), Research methods for clinical therapists, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-443-07430-5 (UL: 615.8515 HIC)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/pam2005

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Medical Imaging Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous