Data Analysis Exercises 25% weighting (LO 3)
4 exercises which include presentation of data, statistical calculation, data analysis and interpretation.

Critical Appraisal Essay 50% weighting 1500 words (LO's 1,2,4 and 5)
Written assignment which invloves critical appraisal of 3 published research articiles

Integrated Personal Portfolio 25% weighting (LO 6)
7 brief exercises which involve SWOT review, reflective incidents log, action plan, GP introduyction letter, practice audit and storyboard presentation

All elements must be passed

3 formative opportunities
Tutorial on draft Critical Appraisal essay
Tutorial on draft data analysis exercises
Tutorial on draft Integarted Personal Portfolio (IPP)

This module develops the introduction to research methodologies and data analysis presented at level 4. The key aim of the module is to provide students with the tools they need to be able to reflect on the validity and reliability of published research material. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of a reliable evidence base to develop their skills and understanding as osteopaths. By the end of the module students will be equipped to carry out critical appraisal of a broad range of published research material.

The module covers key concepts in relation to the evidence base, research philosophies (positivist and phenominological), research strategies (experimental, surveys, action research, ethnography, triangulation etc), research methodologies (RCT, questionnaires, audits, interviews, focus groups etc), ethical considerations and data analysis (descriptive and statistical)

Threading through the module is the Integrated Personal Portfolio, a self-directed learning tool, which aims to encourage reflection, evaluation and self-development.

Contact Hours:
12 hours Lectures
24 hours Groupwork
1 hour Tutorials

This module involves substantial self directed learning supported by a study guide. Student contact time will predominantly take the form of workshops and practical activities to develop skills and provide formative feedback via group and class discussion. Each session will commence with a brief lecture to consolidate pre-lecture self-directed study, assess student difficulties and introduce practical activities. Most sessions will be based around one or more relevant research papers and/or a practical research activity.

Independent Study Hours:
53 hours Background Reading
20 hours Critical Appraisal of set papers
20 hours Data analysis for formative and summative exercises
20 hours Preparation of IPP

Successful completion of all level 4 modules

Lecture/seminar rooms with access to PowerPoint/OHP
Internet/www
Library
Athens Accounts
Access to Statistics Packages
Access to Excel

Greenhalgh, T. (2006). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence Based Medicine.3rd Edition. BMJ Publishing Group. London.
Harris, M., Taylor, G and Taylor, J (2005). Catch-up Maths and Stats. For the life and medical sciences. Scion. Bloxham.
Kane, Mark (2004). Research Made Easy in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Churchill Livingstone. Edinburgh.