Aims

This module aims to familiarise students with study designs commonly used for clinical research. In particular the module aims to: ensure students understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative research and which approach is best suited to addressing which types of questions; enable students to develop skills in different methods of data handling, interpretation and presentation; provide students with the opportunity to develop the ability to critically appraise published literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Observational Research
- Critical Appraisal of Research
- Data Collection, Management and Coding-
- Statistical Analysis of Descriptive Data using SPSS
- Systematic Review
- Interpretation and Presentation of Results

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module will be delivered as e-learning via Blackboard VLE through a series of guided learning opportunities including e-based lectures or tutorials. The e-learning module is supplemented by interactive learning opportunities including wikis, discussion boards, a reflective journal & Adobe Connect sessions as well as some Recap/Panopto versions of the face to face learning experiences. Work will be submitted to Blackboard VLE for assessment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment for this module involves a number of written and practical tasks. The critical appraisal assessments test understanding of different research methodologies and study designs and the components of a research project, as well as critical appraisal skills. The slides (10 with notes) prepared for the presentation allow students to demonstrate the ability to interpret research data and present it in an appropriate format. The statistics assignment and the MCQ examination tests students’ knowledge of statistical analysis methods and enables them to demonstrate practical skills in using statistical software to analyse data.

Online activities will be used to provide instructive formative assessments of study design and feedback for the summative elements of the module.

A participation grade is included to encourage and reward the student's engagement with the
collaborative activities.

Should a student fail the participation assessment and have to undertake a re-sit they will have to
complete a different form of assessment. The student will be asked to look at 2 participation
activities as identified by the module leader/team and submit a 500 word written summary (approx. 250 words per activity).