1. Evaluate the current and evolving context of paramedic practice and identify an appropriate area for enquiry
Analysis
Enquiry

2. Critically appraise the literature surrounding the chosen area of enquiry
Analysis
Enquiry

3. Design an appropriate paradigm of enquiry for a research proposal in the chosen area Knowledge and Understanding
Application
Learning

4. Critically appraise and evaluate the appropriateness of a variety of sampling, data collection and data analysis methods in relation to the chosen area of enquiry
Analysis
Enquiry

5. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of research ethics and their importance as applied to human subjects
Knowledge and Understanding

In this module you will build on the knowledge you developed in year two to further explore key aspects of research including validity and reliability and generalisability before looking in depth at research fundamentals. The content will include areas such as:

• Paradigms of enquiry: ontology, epistemology, methodology
• Reflexivity
• Critical appraisal of literature
• Clinical audit processes
• Qualitative and quantitative and mixed method, methodologies
• Systematic reviews
• Research designs
• Sampling
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Research ethics
• Independent and dependent variables
• Consideration of confounding factors

You will look to define and discuss these key concepts, examining how they can be applied to research in the context of prehospital emergency care.

This information will then help to prepare you to formulate your own research question and complete a literature review of a relevant area of paramedic practice

The assessment for this module takes the form of a research proposal in a pertinent area of contemporary or evolving paramedic practice and consists of 3 elements of assessments:

1. A 30-minute poster presentation (weighted 50%)

2. A 2000-word supporting document (weighted 50%).

You will be required to consider all key principles involved in designing a research project, including conducting your own literature review of your chosen area.

To achieve this, you will be assigned to a project supervisor who will help and advise you in your selection of an appropriate area of research. Your supervisor will also support you in the construction of this assignment and offer guidance and advice where necessary.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed

In the initial stages of the year there will be lead lectures (approx. 20 hours), which will cover key theoretical content and will be supported by online content (approx. 10 hours) delivered through the university virtual learning environment (VLE).

Following this tutorial sessions will be conducted with your project supervisor who will assist you in choosing your appropriate research focus and provide guidance in beginning your proposal.

Throughout the rest of the year, you will then receive group and individual tutorial support while working towards your assignment goals, leading up to your final submission at the end of the academic year. You are expected to undertake a significant number of independent study hours (approx. 270) for this module. This will consist of recommended reading, self-directed study and background reading, and compiling your research proposal.

BRITISH EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (BERA) (2011) Ethical Guidelines for Educational Research. London: BERA
GERRISH K and LACEY A Ed (2010) The research process in nursing. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell.
GRIFFITHS P and MOONEY GP Ed (2012) The Paramedic’s guide to research. Maidenhead, Open University Press
HERRING (2016) Medical Ethics and Law 6th Edn, London: Oxford
PUNCH, K.F. (2010) Introduction to Research Methods in Education. London: Sage
PUNCH, K.F. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals 3rd ed. London: Sage
ROBSON, C. (2010) Real World Research. 2nd Ed. London: Blackwell
ROSS T (2012) A survival guide for health research methods. Maidenhead, Open University Press.

VLE
IT resources
Library resources

Enrolled onto the following award: BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science

In this module we will look at key concepts of research and how can be applied to the context of prehospital emergency care. Through defining and discussing these key underpinning areas, you will then prepare your own research proposal and complete a literature review of a relevant area of paramedic practice.