This module has been designed to enable you to develop a critical understanding of research methodology and methods in health and social care contexts. You will need to demonstrate understanding of theoretical research concepts and the basis of different research techniques. This will be demonstrable through the evaluation of published research evidence and the initial formulation of your own research ideas chosen from a pre-determined list. As part of this development, you will be guided through the process of framing a research question, devising a research design and the justification of your approach. You will be supported to consider the role and meaning of data including when and how to collect, monitor and analyse data; for example, how to assess system reliability and clinical outcomes.

Theoretical elements of the module will consider competing research strategies and the criteria by which we judge the effectiveness of research. We will also explore the use of specific methods commonly used in research, related to sampling, data collection and data analysis. The module will address, amongst other things, the following topics:

1. Recap of literature searching.
2. Research strategy: quantitative, qualitative, or mixed.
3. Primary and secondary research.
4. Contextualising research – making use of literature, the role of the literature review.
5. Quantitative designs: experimental and survey.
6. Qualitative designs: including phenomenological and grounded theory.
7. Recruitment and sampling.
8. Data collection: questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.
9. Data analysis: quantitative and qualitative.
10. Understanding metrics and the collection/analysis of data to assess system reliability and clinical outcomes to support patient safety.
11. Developing a research question.
12. Introduction to understanding Statistics.
13. Research ethics.
14. Judging quality/effectiveness.
15. Knowledge of presentation and dissemination of findings.
16. Audit and auditing tools.

A research proposal, including a literature search and appraisal of issues related to the proposed design for primary or secondary research. Students will design a research project around a choice of given variables / topics from a pre-determined list. Secondary research must be situated within the topic area of the course.

Student will also consider research ethics, completing a formative ethics proposal.

Independent directed learning will be presented on the theoretical perspectives of research that is closely linked to your work in preparation for the assessed elements of the module. The general mode of delivering this module is through directed reading and activities supported through online activities and tutorials with the module leader. Emphasis is placed on the integration of the knowledge and understanding of methodological principles and research techniques. This ensures that all strands of the educational experience combine to nurture a ‘research imagination’ that can be applied in future empirical projects, and when evaluating the evidence produced by others.

1.To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research design, including methodology, methods, and ethics.
Knowledge and Understanding.

2.To demonstrate the evaluation of methodology and a variety of research methods, including approaches to collecting and analysing data.
Analysis, Enquiry.

3. To convey critical awareness of the principles that underpin effective quantitative and qualitative research.
Enquiry, Communication.

4.To apply the evaluation of methodology and methods to the development of a proposed area of investigation within health and social care.
Analysis, Application.

VLE (Virtual Learning Environments).
Classroom.
Library support.
Academic Mentor support.
Group tutorials.
Lectures.
Seminars.

Aveyard, H. (2018) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide. Open University Press.

Blaikie, N. & Priest, J. (2019) Designing Social Research: The Logic of Anticipation. Cambridge: Polity.

Creswell, J. & Creswell, J. (2018) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. London: Sage.

Moule, P. (2021) Making Sense of Research in Nursing, Health and Social Care. London: Sage.

This module will enable you to develop an understanding of research methodology and methods. Academic research often favours a polysyllabic terminology, but often what is behind this terminology is entirely compatible with our ‘everyday’ understanding of the world. This module will provide you the opportunity to develop the skills in the pursuit of an understanding of research methodology and methods. This understanding can then be applied within the level 6 Dissertation but will also be transferable to a breadth of educational and employment settings.