SPE8301 : Critical Appraisal of Research Methodologies
SPE8301 : Critical Appraisal of Research Methodologies
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Helen Stringer
- Owning School: Education, Communication & Language Sci
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To use students' critical appraisal skills to evaluate quantitative and empirical research methodologies. To develop students' critical understanding of research methodologies in experimental and clinical contexts.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Critical appraisal of controlled trial research papers
2. Critical appraisal of single case study and cohort research papers
3. Critical appraisal of mixed methods research papers
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will demonstrate the ability to search for relevant research, evaluate the methodological quality of research using appropriate critical appraisal tools, locate studies on the hierarchy of evidence, and draw logical conclusions.
Intended Skill Outcomes
This module will enable students to critically evaluate published research that uses quantitative experimental methodologies ranging from randomised control trials to single case studies, with respect to methodological quality and the hierarchy of evidence.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:30 | 10:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 136:00 | 136:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The student will formulate a focused clinical question related to their own area of clinical interest (problem solving), search for quality evidence addressing the question (information and computer literacy, planning and organisation), critically appraise the evidence (problem solving, information literacy), draw conclusions from the evidence and make a general recommendation for a study that could be conducted in response to their conclusion (written communication, planning and organisation).
Students will have the opportunity to apply a variety of critical appraisal tools to the scientific and professional literature in their own specialist clinical area representing a range of study methodologies.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 100 | 3000 words - focused clinical question related to own area of clinical interest, critically appraise the evidence & draw conclusions |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The student will formulate a focused clinical question related to their own area of clinical interest (problem solving), search for quality evidence addressing the question (information and computer literacy, planning and organisation), critically appraise the evidence (problem solving, information literacy), draw conclusions from the evidence and make a general recommendation for a study that could be conducted in response to their conclusion (written communication, planning and organistion).
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SPE8301's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SPE8301's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.