2011/12 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

IOFN5004M Research Methods

15 creditsClass Size: 50

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: Julia Maz
Email: J.Maz@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 01 Oct to 31 Dec, 1 Mar to 31 May, 1 Sep to 31 Jan (Adv pre 2223) View Timetable

Year running 2011/12

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;
- 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
Ability to develop a robust research proposal.

Syllabus

- Current researchable problems
- Research processes
- Qualitative and quantitative research designs
- Designing and testing research instruments for quantitative and qualitative research
- Principles of data analysis
- Writing up and disseminating research findings.

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
Tutorial	3	1.25	1.25
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

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 the development of a research proposal on a topic of their own choice.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

This module is delivered as two study days per week for two weeks so it is quite intensive and there is no formal method of monitoring progress. The module manager therefore introduces each speaker and checks constantly with the students as to their progress. Time is also built into the module programme for tutorials with the module manager.

Academic supervision is also available to students when they are completing their assignment.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Research Proposal	3,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/08/2012

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