1.To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research design, including methodology, methods and ethics
2.To demonstrate critical evaluation of methodology and a variety of research methods, including approaches to collecting and analysing data
3.To convey critical awareness of the principles that underpin effective quantitative and qualitative research
4.To apply the evaluation of methodology and methods to the development of a proposed area of investigation within health and social care

A research proposal, including a literature search and critical appraisal of issues related to the proposed design. Weighting: 4000 word written proposal 100% (assessing all four LO's)

This module has been designed to enable you to undertake an in-depth critical analysis of research methodology and methods currently
employed in health and social case contexts. You will need to demonstrate that you can grasp theoretical matters and the basis of different research techniques.
This will be demonstrable through critical evaluation of published research evidence and the initial formulation of your own research ideas.
As part of this development, you will be guided through the process of framing a research question, devising a coherent research design and the justification and
defence of your appreach when open to the scrutiny of others. You will consider the role and meaning of data including when and how it should be collected,
monitores and analysed. The develipment of metrics to assess system reliability and clinical outcomes will also be explored.

Theoretical elements of the module will consider competing research strategies and the criteria by which we judge the effectivness 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. Research strategy: quantitative, qualitative or mixed
2. Primary and secondary research
3. Contextualising research - making use of literature
4. Quantitative designs: experimental and survey
5. Qualitative designs: including phenomenological and grounded theory
6. recruitment and sampling
7. Data collection: questionnaires, interviews and focus groups
8. Data analysis: quantitative and qualitative
9. Big data and its meaning
10. Development of metrics and the collection/analysis of data to assess system reliability and clinical outcomes to support patient safety.
11. Statistics
12. Research ethics
13.Judging quality/effectiveness
14. The presentation and dissemination of findings

This module will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of research methodology and methods. Academic research often favours a polysyllabic terminology, but often what is behind the terminology is entirely compatible with our ‘everyday’ understanding of the world. You will already have many skills required for research from your employment and prior education. This module will provide you the opportunity to sharpen these skills in the pursuit of an advanced understanding of research methodology and methods. This understanding can then be applied within the Masters Dissertation in particular, but will also be transferable to a breadth of educational and employment settings.

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 intergration of the kn owlege 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.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: (33)
20 hours lectures (9 hours on campus; 11 hours online)
10 hours Group work (4 hours on campus; 6 hours online)
3 hours tutorials (One hour on campus; 2 hours online)

Guided Independent Study: (167)
67 hours assignment writing
10 hours online tasks and discussion
90 hours reading and researching

Blaikie, N. & Preist J. (2019) Designing Social Reseach: The Logice of Aniticipation. Cambridge: Polity.

Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press

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

Moul, P. (2019) Making Sense of Research in Nursing, Health nd Social Care. London: Sage.

Successful completion of this module will require you to have access to your own Computer and good internet access

Learning support
Additional study support is avalible from our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
Academic writing (including how to reference)
Research skills
Critical thinking
Revision, and assessment skills (including time management)

Additional needs support:

If you have additional needs such as dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our AccesAbility Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.