Title / Research Theory and Practice
Code / NAM 69
Level / 7
Credit rating / 20
Pre-requisites / Normal entry requirements for the Graduate Programme apply.
Demonstration of ability to study at masters level
Type of module / Extensive on line
Aims / To critically examine a range of research methodologies and methods in order to give the researching practitioner an increased understanding of the applicability of differing research approaches in health care practice.
Learning outcomes/objectives / On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:
  1. Formulate a sound rationale for a chosen research approach, giving critical consideration to ethical issues in undertaking a research project.
  1. Critically analyse the connection(s) between their own practice and research and importance of evidence based practice
  1. Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches to research in relation to researchable problems
  1. Demonstrate the ability to make informed judgements on the applicability of different research methodologies and methods to their area of practice

Content /
1.1.1.1.1Research Process
Identifying researchable problems, formulating research questions/aims and objectives/hypotheses
Reviewing the literature
Proposal development
Ethical Issues and protecting the public
Evidenced based practice
1.1.1.1.2Methodologies
Quantitative/Conclusive
Critical Realism
Policy Analysis
Ethnography
Grounded theory / Concept analysis
Phenomenology
Critical theory
Action research
Literature review
Data Collection
Focus Groups
Case study
Biographical
Survey methods
Experimental Writing
Feminist Approaches / Discourse Analysis
Interviews
Experimental
Correlational
Observational
Historical
Literature review
1.1.1.1.3Data Analysis and Interpretation
Statistics and Statistical Analysis,
Content analysis, interpretative techniques
Reflexivity
Teaching and learning strategies / Personal online facilitators guide and agree personal learning plans (PLPs). Students will be expected to communicate with an online facilitator on 4 occasions (One with PLP). Failure to meet this at least 3 times will normally result in students not being eligible to submit the assignment.
A powerpoint share area will enable formative feedback to students upon their presentation of a synopsis of their intended research activity.
Online seminars utilizing scenarios where students will practice applying different research methods to a range of practice based problems
E learning activities to evaluate different methodologies and methods
Keynote e lectures, delivered by invited experts available on line in text and PowerPoint presentations.
Learning support /

1.2Crotty, M. 1998 The foundations of social research: meaning and perspective in the research processLondon : Sage

Denscombe M. 1998. The Good Research Guide for small-scale social research projects. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Denzin N.K. and Y.S. Lincoln (eds) 2005Handbook of qualitative research. 3rd ed. London ; Thousand Oaks : Sage.
Department of Health 2001 Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care, London. HMSO
Dick B 2005 Grounded theory: a thumbnail sketch. [On line] Available from:
Flick U. 2009 An Introduction to Qualitative Research. 4th ed. Sage Publications.
May T. 2001. Social Research Issues, methods and process. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Hancock B. 2002 An Introduction to the Research Process. Trent Focus Group. [Online] Available from:
Research_20Process.pdf
[11th October 2007]
Polgar S, Thomas S A. 2007.Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences5th ed. Churchill Livingstone.
Sanger J. 1996 The Compleat Observer? A field research guide to observation. London, The Falmer Press.
Silverman D. 2009 Doing Qualitative Research.3rd ed.Sage Publications.
Salkind N. 2007 Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics 3rd ed. Sage Publications.
Journals:
Advances in Nursing Science
Methodological Issues in Nursing Research
Nurse Researcher
Qualitative Social Research. Available from:

Assessment tasks / A written proposal for a research project that includes:
  • a critical understanding of the background to the intended research
  • a critical review of the literature
  • a critical analysis of the proposed methodology. This will include justification for methods, and methods for data collection and data analysis.
  • Critical evaluation of ethical issues involved, potential resolution and how requirements for research governance will be met.
  • A plan of the work and costing (if applicable) to be included as an appendix.
  • 3000 words.
Students must include evidence of communication with an online facilitator(s) on at least three occasions as an appendix.
Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum 80 words) / This module is designed to enable researching practitioners in healthcare practice to further their knowledge and skills in the practice of research. The module provides access to a flexible learning mode meeting the needs of a changing student population. A range of different research methodologies and methods will be examined. Students will be given the opportunity to simulate and practise different approaches to research by analysing and critiquing scenarios relating to their own practice areas.
Area examination board to which module relates / SNM Graduate Division AEB
Module team/authors/ coordinator / Coordinator: Marian Willmer, Nita Muir
Semester offered, where appropriate / One and Two
Site where delivered / On line
Date of first approval / January 2005
Date of last revision / November 2007
Date of approval of this version / March 2012
Version number / 5
Replacement for previous module / N/A
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field / GPHSS; Optional/Compulsory Module
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / All courses in GPHSS
School home / SNM
External examiner / Paula Procter(Sep 2009 – Aug 2013)
Title / Taking Research Forward in Health and Social Care
Code / NAM112
Level / 7
Credit rating / 20
Pre-requisites / Normal entry requirements for the Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences.
Type of module / Intensive
Aims / The aims of this module is to enable students to:
  • understand the design and implementation of contemporary research in Health and Social Care.
  • Recognise the value and importance of patient and public involvement in research;
  • develop research expertise to manage and deliver research in health and social care, in third sector organisations or other relevant settings.
  • understand the principles underpinning legislatory and regulatory issues.

Learning outcomes/objectives / By the end of the module the students will be able to:
  • Critically analyse the current levers and barriers of conducting research in the NHS or other health and social care providers
  • Demonstrate a critical appreciation of effective initiatives to bring about patient and public involvement in research
  • Critically evaluate methodologies consistent with the production of evidence which supports decision-making by the public, patients, clients, professionals and policy makers
  • Demonstrate an awareness of specialist research techniques in particular economic evaluation, which contribute to well-rounded contemporary research
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of legislative and regulatory requirements relating to the conduct of health and social care research
  • Demonstrate a critical reflexivity in their role as researcher and a critical understanding of the issues of researching in their own organisation or area of practice.

Content / The module will begin by reviewing the current changes to health and social care research which will set the scene for the contribution professions can make to improving care. Research that aims to change practice requires new methodologies to enable the participation and needs and experiences of the public to be taken into account.
This module will introduce a range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods in order to produce research that is likely to drive changes in practice.
It also addresses issues surrounding Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research and provides an opportunity to think about good practice in PPI and how it might be achieved using a variety of study designs.
The module will explore the concepts of Health Economics and Health Evaluation in relation to efficiency and effectiveness of clinical interventions. The aim is to provide a basic understanding of these concepts, when and how they should be applied, rather than developing expertise in their use.
The module will address the current legislative and regulatory frameworks relating to the conduct of research. In particular it will look at requirements such as Good Clinical Practice and the EU Clinical Trials Directive.
All students will gain a basic understanding of these requirements. Students who are developing leadership roles or who wish to gain more practical knowledge of Clinical Trials management will be offered a placement in the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Investigation and Research Unit.
Research Ethics and Governance requirements are introduced in this module.
Teaching and learning strategies / The module will be delivered using a range of interactive teaching and learning strategies. Although there will be some lectures the majority of the module content will be delivered through workshops and seminars.
During the module students will be offered a research placement via the NIHR Clinical Research Facility where they can choose to observe clinical trials management and activity.
Learning support / Students will receive support from the module coordinator and module team, in addition to the department of Information Services. They will have access to course material via Student Central. The following key texts are considered indicative reading; further reading will be provided within the module.
Department of Health (2011) Governance arrangements for ethic committees, harmonised edition. Available from
Department of Health (2005) Best Research for Best Health: A new national health research strategy

Black, N. (2006) The Cooksey review of UK health research funding BMJ 333: 1231-1232
Creswell, J.W. & Plano-Clark, V.(2007) Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage: London
Etherington K (2004) Becoming a reflexive researcher – using ourselves in research. Jessica Kingsley, London
INVOLVE (2007) Good practice in active public involvement in research.
Finlay L, Gough B (2003) Reflexivity: a practical guide for researchers in Health and Social Sciences. Blackwell, Oxford
Lees J, Freshwater D (2008) Practitioner-based research: power, discourse and transformation. Karnac, London
Moule P, Hek G (2006) Making sense of research: an introduction for health and social care practitioners. Sage, London
NIHR (2008) Transforming health research: the first two years - National Institute for Health Research progress report 2006-2008

Polgar S, Thomas SA (2007) Introduction to research in the health sciences. Churchill Livingstone, Philadelphia
Sim J and Wright C 2000 Research in Health Care: concepts, designs and methods. Nelson Thomas: Edinburgh.
School for Social Care research
Tashakkori, A. & Teddlie, C. (2003) Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioural research. Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA.




Assessment tasks /
  1. 2000 word outline of a potential research project focussed on a relevant methodology and demonstrating plans to involve the public. Knowledge of legislatory or regulatory requirements should be demonstrated. (Summative assessment).
  1. 30mins- peer reviewed presentation of a research project/proposal. To be presented to peer group and module team. Peers will feedback on the presentation with two members of the teaching team (formative assessment).

Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum 80 words) / This module will offer a critical perspective on the current health and social care research landscape which will enable development of the research understanding and expertise of the future leaders of Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professional.
Area examination board to which module relates / School of Nursing & Midwifery. MSc AEB
Module team/authors/ coordinator / Prof Valerie Hall, Kay Aranda, Nikki Petty, Nicky Perry, Victoria Sellick, David Crook Prof Ann Moore
Semester offered, where appropriate / Semester 2
Site where delivered / Falmer/Eastbourne
Date of first approval / 2009
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this version / 1st February 2012
Version number / 2
Replacement for previous module / Yes
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field / Graduate Programme in Health and Social Sciences
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / MRes Clinical Research – mandatory module
MRes/Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care
School home / School of Nursing and Midwifery
External examiner / Dr Fiona Cramp (Oct 2009 – Sept 2013)