1. Review various methods of constructing a research question and methodologies for designing appropriate studies. - Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Enquiry

2. Critically evaluate a variety of research methodologies - Analysis

3. Critically evaluate research tools used to address problems in practice, applied to
your own speciality/discipline - Analysis

4. Develop skills in the conceptualisation of research design, along with sampling
methods, data collection and data analysis applied to your speciality/ discipline - Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Learning

A research proposal, including a literature search and critical appraisal of issues related to the proposed methodology. (LO 1-4)

Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising of a combination of task related feedback and comments on online discussion contributions.

This module has been designed to enable you to undertake an in-depth critical analysis of research methods currently used in a variety of settings. The module provides an introduction to quantitative research methods and statistical methods, and qualitative data collection and analysis. The basic principles of study design and methodology are introduced and mixed research methodologies will also be discussed.

Quantitative statistical analysis methods are taught using SPSS/R and include ANOVA, regression analyses and statistics for questionnaire design. In order to do this you will need to demonstrate that you can apply the theoretical issues of the module to practical situations such as critical evaluation of the research of others and the early formation of your own research skills. 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 seminar and workshop activities. A great strength will be to ensure that the experiences of the group are shared. Particular emphasis will be placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, application to research. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate.

This module has been designed to enable you to undertake an in-depth critical analysis of research methods currently used in a variety of settings. The module provides an introduction to quantitative research methods and statistical methods, and qualitative data collection and analysis. The basic principles of study design and methodology are introduced and mixed research methodologies will also be discussed.

Quantitative statistical analysis methods are taught using SPSS/R and include ANOVA, regression analyses and statistics for questionnaire design. In order to do this you will need to demonstrate that you can apply the theoretical issues of the module to practical situations such as critical evaluation of the research of others and the early formation of your own research skills. 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 seminar and workshop activities. A great strength will be to ensure that the experiences of the group are shared. Particular emphasis will be placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, application to research. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate.

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 seminar and workshop activities delivered via black board. A great strength will be to ensure that the experiences of the group are shared. Particular emphasis will be placed on a strategy to integrate the whole process of knowledge delivery, application to research. It is designed to ensure that all strands of the educational experience contribute to learning and to giving you the confidence to enter research and debate.

Bowling, A & Ebrahim, S. (2005) Handbook of health research methods: investigation, measurement & analysis. Maidenhead, Open University Press

Greener, I. (2011) Designing Social Research, London: Sage Publications

Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A., & Wright, D. (Eds) (2012) Research methods in psychology. (4th Edn.) London: Sage Publications.

Tabachnick B G & Fidell L S (2013) Using multivariate statistics. (6th Edn). New York: Pearson Education.

Access to the online library, SPSS, blackboard, Voicethread and Turnitin is required.