2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

IOFN5004M Research Methods

15 creditsClass Size: 77

If you are applying for a stand-alone Masters level module please note you must meet either the general University entry criteria or the specific module pre-requisite for this level of study.

Module manager: Dr Julia Maz
Email: J.Maz@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 01 Oct to 31 Dec, 1 Sep to 31 Jan (Adv pre 2223), Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

Normally general entry requirements for Masters level study.

Module replaces

DCPE5010M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- select a researchable problem relevant to your work;
- critically evaluate literature on the selected problem;
- critically consider the essential requirements needed to build a quantitative or qualitative research proposal to investigate the selected problem;
- explain the collection and analysis of quantitative or qualitative data to explore the selected problem; and
- suggest how findings might influence health and social care practice.

Learning outcomes
- Understand how to identify issues in health or social care which are amenable to investigation using empirical research, systematic review or practice development projects.
- Understand the relationship between development of clear and concise research questions and selection of appropriate research methods to investigate issues in health and social care.
- Know how to design and conduct a comprehensive literature search strategy utilising electronic databases and other relevant resources.
- Understand the importance of critical evaluation of the existing literature in a defined area of health or social care, including the necessity for evaluating research quality.
- Understand how to develop and justify empirical research, systematic review or practice development proposals designed to investigate a selected area of health and social care practice.
- Know how to critically evaluate and then select appropriate methods for data generation and analysis drawing on understanding of research methodology and the importance of rigour in the design and conduct of research.
- Understand the different ways in which research findings can be disseminated to reach appropriate audiences, and where appropriate, to contribute to development of health and social care practice.

Skills outcomes
Critical appreciation of the main research designs/approaches to research
Ethics and integrity in research
Literature searching
Review of the literature
Sampling strategies
Selecting methods of data collection
Data analysis plans
Quality aspects of research design

Syllabus

- Establishing current researchable problems
- Research processes
- Critical analysis and appraisal of research papers
- Qualitative,quantitative systematic review, and mixed method designs
- Designing and testing research instruments for quantitative and qualitative research
- Principles of data analysis

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
presentation	8	1.40	11.25
Group learning	1	0.75	0.75
Practical	7	1.50	10.75
Seminar	25	1.00	25.00
Tutorial	3	1.25	1.25
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			49.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			175.00

Private study

Students are expected to use their private study time to review the concepts and discussions that take place in the module then follow this up with in-depth reading and learning to support preparation and completion of the assessment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

This module is delivered as one three day teaching block (18 hours) and one two day (12 hours) teaching block some two weeks later so it is quite intensive and there is no formal method of monitoring progress. The module leader therefore introduces each speaker and checks constantly with the students as to their progress. Time is also built into the module timetable for tutorials with the academic supervisor and also as a focus group to revisit the assessment requirements. Academic supervision both formal and informal is also available to students when they are completing their preparation for assessment

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	3000 words: Pre released study questions	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

A discipline specific research paper (empirical, practice development or systematic review) will be provided to the student at the end of the first teaching block alongside specific study questions. These are designed to provide coherence and applicability of taught and learned content and broadly, the assessment will be examining the appropriate identification, selection and underpinning rationale in the answers provided. It will comprise questions of fact and questions for discussion and include the identification of research design with consideration of the epistemological and ontological foundations, discussion of the tools and concepts of research methods, including critique of the methods used and will be supported throughout by relevant theoretical knowledge application to the research situation. There will be compensation between the above sections. Appendix one provides a suggested template of the types of questions that can be asked using the above format. Each discipline specific research paper will be unique and therefore an amalgamation of questions can be drawn and modified from the template to assess the learning outcomes. It is anticipated that Section A will comprise 40% (8 questions) and Section B, 60% (4 questions). The module leader will ensure that there is parity across the different research papers offered with regards to robustness and cohesiveness.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 25/10/2016

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