Module Research Methods

This module will enable you to select, devise, analyse and synthesise research and evidence-based practice findings. You will develop an advanced understanding of selected research methods and will have opportunities for acquiring appropriate research skills through study and practical experience.

You will need to complete an induction prior to commencement of your first module. We have a comprehensive online induction package to welcome you to both the University and your programme of study. Alternatively classroom-based induction days take place at our Lancaster and Carlisle campuses and are usually scheduled for the first week of each semester.

Graduate destinations

This module is intended for use across the range of post graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing. It has therefore been designed to be adaptable to the specific research interests and skill needs of the various pathways offered e.g. MSc Management and Leadership in Health and Social Care, MSc Practice Development OR see our A-Z list of postgraduate programmes.

Course summary

This module will provide a theoretical, methodological and practical foundation for the typical tasks a researcher would have to undertake.

This includes: sources and the nature of evidence; research theories and approaches; design options; methodologies; project planning; fieldwork preparation; and data analysis. You will cover a range of research methodologies and link this with problem appraisal and appropriate design choices.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate coherent and comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of sources, types and hierarchies of evidence.
Evaluate the ethical implications of research and the need to incorporate relevant research governance protocols in research plans.
Formulate a research proposal and working hypothesis as part of designing a small scale study.
Critically evaluate alternative methodological approaches to research problems and justify design choices referring to appropriate methods and socio-cultural contexts.
Develop and consolidate data handling and statistical analysis techniques for project and secondary data sets and qualitative data analysis.

Indicative core bibliography

Davies MB (2007) Doing a successful research project : using qualitative or quantitative methods Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Dickson-Swift V (2008) Undertaking Sensitive Research in the Health and Social Sciences: Managing Boundaries, Emotions and Risks. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press

Field A (2005) Discovering Statistics using SPSS 2nd Edition London: Sage

Finlay L, Ballinger C (Eds) (2006) Qualitative Research for Allied Health Professionals: Challenging Choices Wiley and Sons

Green, J, Thorogood, N (2004) Qualitative methods for health research. London: Sage

Long T and Johnson M (2007) Research Ethics in the Real World: Issues and Solutions for Health and Social Care. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier

Polit D &ampandk C (2008) Nursing research : generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice 8th Edition. Philadelphia, Pa. ; London : Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Salkind, NJ (2004) Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics. 2nd Edition. Thousand Oaks: Sage

Teddie C, Tashakkori A (2009) Foundations of Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in the Social and Behavioural Sciences Thousand Oaks: Sage

Modules

Programme Specification

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

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Entry Requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

Selection criteria

Students accessing the module on a stand alone basis will be expected to have demonstrated their ability to benefit from the module and their ability to succeed (for example through previous successful study at level 6 or through the demonstration of skills gained in the workplace).

The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.

Please note that the direct entry application system will not recognise your current Student IT Network login. Please select the New User option from the Apply Now button.

Location	Online
Duration	Part-time, Single Module
Start date	January 2019, April 2019, September 2019

Graduate destinations

Course outline

Course summary

Indicative core bibliography

Modules

Programme Specification

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Selection criteria

Application information

Additional costs

Resources and facilities