This module aims to introduce students to Evidence Based Practice and Social Science Research Methods. It concentrates on how to practically run research in organisations.

Theoretical underpinning of the concept of Evidence Based Practice as a research method.

Appraisal tools; Systematic reviews, randomised-controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies; case studies; textual evidence

Generalisability, validity and reliability of research findings

Evaluation of evidence and their influence on decision-making

Ethical, political and professional considerations in EBP

Policy review; Continuous monitoring and quality assurance processes in relation to policies and processes

Implementation of evidence-based recommendations; application of research to practice

Assessment 1 will address LO2 and 3. Students will be required to critically appraise a publication from an area of practice of their interest. Examples of appropriate publications are, but are not limited to, an organisation’s documents on policies, guidance, governance, annual resourcing or performance reports. Students will be required to demonstrate academic research and writing skills. The appraisal will need to utilise supporting academic references, in Harvard format.

Assessment 2 will address LO1 and 4. Students will be required to identify an ethically sound topic to conduct research on. As part of the proposal, students are required to identify research aims and objectives, conduct a provisional literature review and outline the methodology for chosen topic. A draft ethics form will need to be appended to the submission, for the appropriate level of research that is to be conducted. The proposal will need to utilise supporting academic references, in Harvard format.

1. Develop a systematic plan to examine, assess and evaluate existing processes or outcomes within an organisation or area of practice.

Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding


2. Methodologically analyse the credibility of evidence and how it may be manipulated or presented to concur narratives of an organisation.

Analysis, Problem Solving, Learning


3. Examine how guidelines, policies and protocols are developed based on existing evidence in an area of practice in an organisation.

Enquiry, Analysis, Learning


4. Propose a practical strategy to disseminate and implement evidence-based recommendations from research findings within an organisation or area of practice.

Problem Solving, Communication

The module is delivered either through online or physical synchronous lectures and other asynchronous learning activities, which will provide students with an overview of research methods and various approaches to conducting primary research in a social science context. Comprehensive pre-reading and self-directed post-lecture activities will be required of students to develop their research skills.

Blackboard VLE

University library and associated online learning materials.

Live streaming/recording equipment/software for tutorial sessions

Alasuutari, Pertti., Bickman, L. and Brannen, Julia. (2008) The SAGE handbook of social research methods. Los Angeles, [Calif.]¿; SAGE.

Aromataris E, Fernandez R, Godfrey C, Holly C, Kahlil H, Tungpunkom P. Summarizing systematic reviews: methodological development, conduct and reporting of an Umbrella review approach. Int J Evid Based Healthc. 2015;13(3):132-40.

Barker TH, Stone JC, Sears K, Klugar M, Tufanaru C, Leonardi-Bee J, Aromataris E, Munn Z. The revised JBI critical appraisal tool for the assessment of risk of bias for randomized controlled trials. JBI Evidence Synthesis. 2023;21(3):494-506

Burstein, P., 2003. The impact of public opinion on public policy: A review and an agenda.¿Political research quarterly,¿56(1), pp.29-40.

Fleming, J. and Wingrove, J. (2017) ‘“We Would If We Could … but Not Sure If We Can”: Implementing Evidence-Based Practice: The Evidence-Based Practice Agenda in the UK’, Policing¿: a journal of policy and practice, 11(2), pp. 202-. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/police/pax006.

Forsberg, E. et al. (2022) Peer review in an Era of Evaluation: Understanding the Practice of Gatekeeping in Academia. 1st edn. Cham: Springer Nature. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75263-7.

Lum, C.M. and Koper, C.S. (2017) Evidence-based policing¿: translating research into practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

McArthur A, Klugarova J, Yan H, Florescu S. Chapter 4: Systematic reviews of text and opinion. In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (Editors). JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI, 2020

Pawson, R. (2006) Evidence-based policy a realist perspective. London: SAGE.

Snyder, H., 2019. Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines.¿Journal of business research,¿104, pp.333-339.

Spooner, E., Hughes, C. and Jones, P.M. (2022) Police research and evidence-based policing. 1st ed. Edited by T. Blockley. St Albans: Critical Publishing.

Walliman, Nicholas. (2006) Social research methods. London: SAGE.

Williams, V. et al. (2022) ‘12¿ Critical appraisal tools for qualitative research – towards “fit for purpose”’, BMJ evidence-based medicine, 27(Suppl 2), pp. A19–A20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm-2022-EBMLive.36.

Yang, K. (2010) Making sense of statistical methods in social research. Los Angeles: SAGE.