Research Design and Methodology

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Systematically search journal databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE and PsychInfo.
• Critically appraise literature, with and without the use of critical appraisal tools, such as CASP, and interpret literature in light of strengths and limitations.
• Define and distinguish between key concepts in research, such as qualitative research, quantitative research and mixed methods research.
• Select appropriate research methodologies, methods and designs for answering research questions.
• Plan high quality research, with acknowledgement of the strengths and limitations of the research plan, and their implications for the research findings.

Indicative module content includes:

• Introduction to research
• Conducting literature reviews and critical appraisal
• Writing research proposals
• Philosophy and ontology of research
• Basic qualitative research methods (e.g. focus groups and interviews)
• Basic quantitative research methods (e.g. questionnaires, cross-sectional designs)
• Mixed methods research
• Advanced qualitative methods (e.g. grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology) 
• Advanced quantitative methods (e.g. health statistics) 
• Open research
• Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research.

Learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures and discussion
• Small group tutorials
• One-to-one (individual) tutorials.

Summative assessment

Research proposal, 100%, 3,000 words:

• To include evidence of the need for the research, along with a literature review and search strategy and research proposal including research questions, methods, data collection, analysis and ethical considerations.

Formative assessment

You will be encouraged to submit a single A4 page plan to one of the module team for written feedback, prior to submitting the summative assessment.

Feedback

The module learning and teaching strategy includes small group tutorials, the discussion within these will provide both academic and peer-led feedback on students’ ideas and proposals.

At both the formative and summative assessment points the students will receive written feedback.

Take a look at the module reading list.