1. A written essay critically appraising an evidence-based research article (1500 words and weighted 50%; mapping to LOs 1 and 2). The student will choose ONE from a given list of published articles. The first written appraisal will be due mid-way through the delivery of the module

2. A written essay evaluating the implementation and outcomes of one policy in health or social care, based upon a synthesis of available research from a range of sources (1500 words and weighted 50%; mapping to LOs 1and 3). The second written appraisal will be due at the end of the module delivery.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Group discussion of a series health research articles will provide formative feedback.

This module meets the care certificate standards:
1. Understanding your role; 2. Your personal development

This module will give an overview of research methods and how research is utilised within health and social care sectors to inform practice. This will enable you to understand the research process in relation to your role within employment and personal and professional development within the health and social care sectors.

The module has five main elements:

1. Introduction to the role and process of research; the concept of normative and empirical arguments; types of evidence and the hierarchy of evidence
2. A survey of research paradigms and methods: quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods designs along with their key procedures. Ethical considerations
3. The critical appraisal of research evidence: design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and conclusions
4. Synthesising and using research evidence from a range of sources
5. Implementing research evidence in health and social care policy

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (35 hours)
8 hours Lead Lectures
12 hours Group work / discussion
15 hours of group tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (265 hours)
20 hours Blackboard supported work
50 hours Preparation for group/ class work discussion
70 hours Literature searching and reading
125 hours Preparation for assignment

Access to Blackboard learning environment
IT support
Library facilities

Aveyard, H (2013) A Beginner's Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Health and Social Care(2nd edition) Buckingham, Open University Press
Bowling, A (2014) Research Methods in Health Care: Investigating Health and Health Services (4th edition) Buckingham, Open University Press
Hek G and Moule P (2015) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners (5th edition) London, Sage
Neale, J. ed (2008) Research Methods for Health and Social Care London: Palgrave Macmillan

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the use of research literature in relation to health and social care practice and how analysis and interpretation is influenced by the limits of knowledge (SG: 2)
(Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving)

2. Critically evaluate the primary methods of enquiry and their translation into research design as utilised in the study of health and social care (SG: 2, 4, 5) (Analysis, Application)

3. Relate the process of research-led enquiry and evaluation to the development and implementation of health and social care policy (SG: 2, 3, 5, 6) (Enquiry, Problem Solving)