Research Methods for Practice
| Module title | Research Methods for Practice |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM034 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Karyn Morrissey (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| 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 your 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 evaluate and analyse research findings generated from a range of qualitative or quantitative research methodologies
- 2. Evidence an applied ability to systematically and critically 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. Critically evaluate, 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 concepts, 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. Face-to-face scheduled lectures may be replaced by short pre-recorded videos for each topic (15-20 minutes) and/or brief overview lectures delivered via MS Teams/Zoom, with learning consolidated by self-directed learning resources and ELE activities. - Small-group discussion in tutorials and seminars may be replaced by synchronous group discussion on Teams/ Zoom; or asynchronous online discussion, for example via Yammer or ELE Discussion board - Workshops involving face-to-face classroom teaching may be replaced by synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom; or Asynchronous workshop activities supported with discussion forum - Skills workshops involving practical skills acquisition demonstrations may be replaced by short pre-recorded videos as pre-learning; or workshop via Teams/Zoom. |
| 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. Feedback may be provided via synchronous or asynchronous online discussion. |
| Interactive quiz | 1.25 hours | 1-4 | Feedback in class. Feedback may be provided via synchronous or asynchronous online discussion. |
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, interpretation and peer review | 100 | 2000 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, interpretation and peer review (100%) | Data analyses, interpretation and peer review (2000 words) | 1-4 | Typically within six weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
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.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE: HPDM034 2020/21 Module Pages
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
An up to date reading list of journal articles will be provided on ELE.
| 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 | 13/05/2020 |
