This module has been designed to enable the students to undertake in-depth critical appraisal of the research methods currently used in healthcare research. In order to critically appraise and to assess its suitability for application in practice, the student will need to develop an understanding of methods commonly used in health care research. To this end, research methods such as interviews, focus groups, Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) and other epidemiological methods will be presented and the pros and cons explored. The student will then be taken through the process of critically appraising these qualitative and quantitative research methods using appropriate published checklists. Through critiquing the research of others, the student will demonstrate the formation of his/her own research skills. This module will also address: literature searching in order to identify appropriate literature; ethical principles surrounding research; methods of analysing and interpreting data; and will explore evidence-based practice issues surrounding the application of research into practice.

Written critique of either (1) a set qualitative piece OR (2) a set quantitative research paper using the appropriate checklist to a deadline; 2000 words (Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5) 50%

A critical review of literature in a chosen speciality outlining the databases searched, mesh terms used and justification for searches. 2000 words (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6) 50%

Both pieces of work must achieve a pass grade of 50% and demonstrate the appropriate learning outcomes.

Library and Information resources
CD-ROM and databases for electronic literature searching
Personal computer and printer
Course handouts
Module tutors
Critical appraisal checklists
Copies of research publications (where set by tutors)

Chambers, R & Boath, E.H. (2007) Clinical effectiveness and Clinical Governance Made Easy. 4th Edition. Abingdon, Radcliffe Medical Press
Crombie I (1996) The Pocket Guide to Critical Appraisal. BMJ Books
Girden ER (2001) Evaluating Research Articles From Start to Finish, Second Edition SAGE Inc
Gomm R, Needham G & Bullman A (2000) Evaluating Research in Health and Social Care. SAGE Ltd
Greenhalgh T (2010), How to Read a Paper The Basics of Evidence Based Medicine (4th ed) BMJ Books, London

Students have to be either an allied health professional registered with the HCPC, sports therapist or biomechanist who support allied health professionals or a medical professsional. All of whom are involved in musculoskeletal practice.

The mode of delivery is through distance learning with Blackboard material providing all the content. Learning activities will include: 1. Information and literature gathering using various methods, including the internet 2. Preparing and presenting critical appraisals of qualitative and quantitative research papers 3. Critique of a set qualitative and a set of quantitative research papers (choice of four). Lectures will be virtual or as live events and some schedhuled times will be made during the course of the module.

This module has been designed to enable you to undertake in-depth critical appraisal of the research methods currently used in healthcare research. In order to critically appraise and to assess its suitability for application in practice, you will need to develop an understanding of methods commonly used in health care research. To this end, research methods such as interviews, focus groups, Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) and other epidemiological methods will be presented and the pros and cons explored. You will then be taken through the process of critically appraising these qualitative and quantitative research methods using appropriate published checklists. Through critiquing the research of others, you will demonstrate the formation of your own research skills. This module will also address: literature searching in order to identify appropriate literature; ethical principles surrounding research; methods of analysing and interpreting data; and will explore evidence-based practice issues surrounding the application of research into practice.