Research Methods for Practice

Module title	Research Methods for Practice
Module code	HPDM034
Academic year	2019/0
Credits	15
Module staff	Professor Ruth Garside ()

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		9

Number students taking module (anticipated)	20

Module description

This module provides detailed training in a range of qualitative and quantitative translational methodologies, which are commonly applied within the field of environment and human health. This includes Stata statistical analysis, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, the formal systematic review process as well as a range of qualitative data collection methods.

No pre-requisites or specialist knowledge are required to undertake this module, which is well suited to interdisciplinary learning. Delivery is via four focused days of expert-led small group learning, interspersed by personal study undertaken at your own pace and supported by our internet resources.

Module aims - intentions of the module

You will develop advanced practical skills of a range of frequently utilised qualitative and quantitative research methodologies ready to apply to their personal Masters Dissertation projects as well as their own future professional practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate a practical ability to analyse research findings generated from a range of qualitative or quantitative research methodologies
2. Evidence an applied ability to interpret research findings generated from a range of qualitative or quantitative research methodologies

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. Demonstrate the ability to select and justify appropriate research methodologies

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

4. Demonstrate a professional ability to peer review the research methods, findings and interpretation of other researchers

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Explore the application of a range of common qualitative methodologies e.g. semi-structured interviews, focus groups etc.

Analyse a quantitative data set employing common statistical tests

Utilise geographic information system (GIS) mapping as a key method and tool to investigate the geographies of environment and health

Critically appraise, evaluate and synthesise a contemporary evidence base

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
20	130	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities	20	All student taught sessions
Guided independent study	30	Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE
Guided independent study	100	Reading and assignment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Class discussions and small group work activities	Each taught session	1-4	Facilitator and peer feedback in class

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Data analyses and interpretation	50	750 Words	1-3	Written
Peer review	50	750 Words	1-4	Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Data analyses and interpretation (50%)	Data analyses and interpretation (750 words)	1-3	Typically within six weeks of the result
Peer review (50%)	Peer review (750 words)	1-4	Typically within six weeks of the result

Re-assessment notes

This module in its entirety is condonable in accordance with TQA 8.6.

In accordance with TQA 11.2.3; where a student fails part of the assessment on a module, but passes the module as a whole, the module will be deemed to have been passed and referral will not be applicable.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Cronin P, Ryan F and Coughlan M. (2008). Undertaking a literature review a step-by-step approach. British Journal of Nursing. 17(1); 38-43.

Bryman A. (2008). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6162

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Please see ELE for up to date electronic resources – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Key words search

Human health, environment, health, social, biomedical, research, project, method, study design, research question, dissertation, statistics, Stata, GIS, mapping, systematic review, review, evidence, synthesis, evidence-base, peer review, quantitative, qualitative, questionnaire, survey, focus group, interview, transcription.

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	15/12/2015
Last revision date	08/07/2019