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.

The general mode of delivery is via:

attendance at seminars and active engagement in workshops - 15 hours

Independent learning
directed reading and interactive activities -48 hours
literature searching - 30 hours
preparation for the teaching sessions at seminars and workshops - 57 hours

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).
4.Introduction to poster preparation and presentation skills

Written critique of a set qualitative and a set quantitative research paper using the appropriate checklist to a deadline; 2500 words (Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5) 50%

Poster preparation with oral defence. This will include summary of a comprehensive literature search on a research question chosen by the student. Outlining the databases searched, MeSH, key terms used and justification for this. This will be presented in a poster and oral format. (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. (2000) Clinical effectiveness and Clinical Governance Made Easy. 2nd Edition. Abingdon, Radcliffe Medical Press. ISBN 1 85775 443 3
Crombie I (1996) The Pocket Guide to Critical Appraisal. BMJ Books ISBN 0-7279-1099-X
Girden ER (2001) Evaluating Research Articles From Start to Finish, Second Edition SAGE Inc.ISBN 0761922148
Gomm R, Needham G & Bullman A (2000) Evaluating Research in Health and Social Care. SAGE Ltd. ISBN 0761964916
Greenhalgh T (2001), How to Read a Paper The Basics of Evidence Based Medicine (2nd ed) BMJ Books, London. ISBN 0-7279-1578-
Lawrie, SM, McIntosh, A. & Rao S (2000), Critical Appraisal for Psychiatry Churchill Livingstone ISBN 0443070172
Marchevsky D (2000), Critical Appraisal of Medical Literature. Kluwer Academic / Plenum ISBN 0306 464748

1.The ability to critically appraise qualitative and quantitative research papers using appropriate checklists. ( enquiry)
2.The ability to critically evaluate the use of qualitative and quantitative critical appraisal checklists.(analysis)
3.Appropriate methodologies for gathering research information and materials.(enquiry)
4.A thorough understanding of the ethical principles surrounding research. (knowledge and understanding)
5.Incorporate and apply research evidence into practice.(application)
6.Effective dissemination of critical appraisal using both written and verbal formats. (communication)

A ASSIGNMENT length 2500 WORDS weighted at 50%.
A POSTER weighted at 50%.
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