Project design and proposal (circa 10000) (70%)(LOs 1-5), presentation (15%)(LOs 1,4,5) and oral examination (15%)(LOs 1,2,3).

The majority of published research studies in the health sciences have methodological flaws that cause the research to lack validity. Blaming the methodology after the research has been done is unacceptable. The purpose of this module is to establish appropriate samples, methods and procedures through the proper use of pilot work preliminary to the main research study. Although each pilot project is likely to be unique, examples of typical factors that pilot work will need to establish are: the characteristics of the population under study and how to obtain an appropriate sample for the research; that instruments (including questionnaires and interviews) and procedures will function as expected for the type of subjects for which the research is intended; blinding of subjects and/or use of placebo conditions; blinding of observers and inter- and intra-observer/ instrument variation; estimates of variability and effect sizes (for intervention studies).

Five half-day workshops outlining basic concepts behind preliminary work needed for good research design. Individual meetings with supervisor/s (student-led). Laboratory skills sessions (depending on research topic). Independent literature review. Independent research

Library and web-based learning resources. Laboratories (where appropriate). Statistical analysis (e.g. SPSS, NUDIST), Word processing (e.g.WORD), Spreadsheet software (e.g.EXCEL). Internet and e-mail ac

Cohen, J. (1988) Statistical power analysis for the behavioural sciences (2nd edition). Hillsdale NJ, Lawrence Erbaum Associates. ISBN 0-8058-0283-5
Locke, L.F., Spirduso, W.W., Silverman, S.J. (1999) Proposals that work: a guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals (4th edition). London. Sage. ISBN 0761917071
Polit, D.F. et al. (2001) Essentials of nursing research : methods, appraisal and utilisation (5th edition). Philadelphia. Lippincott. ISBN 0781725577
Punch, K.F. (2000) Developing effective research proposals. London. Sage. ISBN 0761963561
Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.J.(2001) Research methods in physical activity (4th edition). Champaign IL. Human Kinetics