This core module is designed for health care professionals. It will foster an in-depth understanding of the processes, stages and management of research, enable students to demonstrate critical appraisal and develop research skills applicable to both quantitative and qualitative approaches.  

The module introduces the theories of research and provides flexible opportunities for students to apply and synthesise newly developed knowledge. It allows the students to practically follow the early stages of research by developing a research proposal; and the late stages of research by analysing, discussing, interpreting and presenting data provided by the module leader(s). Emphasis will be placed on ethical principles, which students will discuss and apply in their research proposal. The module will also enhance literacy skills, oral and written communication skills, numerical and data analysis skills, information technology (ICT) skills, and independent learning skills. 

Competence in research will enhance the healthcare professionals’ ability to appraise research, evaluate reported findings, effectively communicate information, collaborate with other professionals and work in or manage a multidisciplinary team. 

AIMS 

• To provide students with an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the value research, its complexity, and to critically evaluate published research.  

• To provide students with the knowledge to comprehend, compare, and apply various aspects of the research process.

• To equip graduates with the expertise to independently undertake and report research.

 

CURRICULUM CONTENT 

• Research paradigms and theories. 

• Research process: hypotheses, research questions, research designs, data collection, analyses, discussion, interpretation and presentation.

• Reviewing and critically analysing the relevant literature and identifying gaps in human knowledge.  

• Phrasing research questions, general aims and specific objectives. 

• Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research methods with strengths and limitations.

• Measurement issues: sampling strategies, measurement scales and variables. 

• The concepts of validity, reliability, and generalisability.

• Ethical considerations and law in research.

• Managing and planning a research project and evaluating the progress.

• Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis 

     o Theoretical aspects of descriptive and inferential statistics 

     o Practical statistical analysis using SPSS.

     o Theoretical and practical qualitative data analysis using software (e.g, NVivo, Atlas).

• Data interpretation, discussion, synthesis and presentation.

• Identification of study strengths and limitations and need for future research. 

 

Assessment

This module will be assessed by:

1. Research protocol (2000 words) 

2. Data analysis report (2000 words)