Research Methods

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in research design, methods, and the research process, critically considering the relationship between the research context, research question, method, and knowledge development. The course will equip students with critical evaluation skills. This knowledge and skills will be transferable to other learning and practice settings.

This module is aimed at Registered Nurses and Midwives, Social Workers, Allied Health Professionals.

Module Code	Campus	Duration	Start Date
AU4D016	Lower Glyntaff	20 Weeks	September – February

You will learn:

Introduction to the research process. The importance of the research question, how to frame a research question and designing appropriate methods.
Quantitative approaches, including; experimental and non-experimental research designs
Qualitative approaches, including qualitative research design and the underlying differences between Quantitative and Qualitative research design.
The development of critical analysis using PICO and other critiquing tools.
Research principles; congruence between process and methodology, credibility, authenticity, validity, and reliability. Ethical and cultural implications in research design. Sampling – the sample frame and sampling strategies.
Data and Information Collection Techniques including interviews, focus groups, survey design and use of secondary data.
Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data and information: Introduction to quantitative analysis and statistical techniques, describing, analysing and presenting data, recording, handling and analysing qualitative data, tabulation and graphing
Communication skills in relation to research practice and critique, including writing and presenting materials that are grounded in the evidence, honesty in reporting and prevention of plagiarism.

The module will be taught through a combination of interactive lectures, interactive group discussions, workshops, tutorials, blended and enquiry based learning including blackboard, case study material and student presentations.

This is a multi-professional module, and the opportunity to work with and learn with others is a positive aspect of the module.

Students of the course will need to spend 400 dedicated hours studying the course. Which is spent as follows:

Lectures – 25 hours
Tutorials – 21 hours
Independent study – 245 hours
Directed study – 54 hours
Assessment – 50 hours
Supervision – 5 hours

Lecturers

To be accepted on the course, applicants must be a registered professional in the field of health or social care.

Summative:

Time constrained assessment – a written assessment which requires students to answer six short answer questions (3000 words - 30% weighting)
Research proposal – a brief outline of a research project to include hypotheses and methodology (3500 words – 50% weighting)
Presentation – a prepared oral presentation on an intended research proposal (10 minutes – 20% weighting)

Each student will be allocated an Academic Supervisor for the module and will have access to Student Advice and associated support services, in addition to peer support.

Each student will be assigned a supervising tutor, for academic guidance and support.

On and off campus facilities available to students are: