MD1B3-15 Methods of Enquiry
Introductory description
Module aims
To introduce the concepts of evidence, data, experimental design and research methods allowing exploration of meaningfulness, bias, inference and assumptions. Students will acquire skills in data selection, interpretation, transformation and communication of findings to different audiences.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
This module will run alongside the integrated illness and wellbeing modules, students will be expected to interlink their knowledge and understanding of methods of enquiry to the taught and CBL content in those blocks.
Students will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Introduction to data analysis (thematic, inferential, descriptive)
- Purpose of peer review and quality assurance
- Concepts of bias, inference and controls
- Introduction to different types of evidence, evidence quality, and using evidence in research
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To demonstrate a basic familiarity with the use of appropriate research designs and methods to answer health-related research questions
- To use appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain and process data so it may be simply interpreted.
- To use different methods/styles to communicate information effectively.
Indicative reading list
- Hagger-Johnson G. (2014) Introduction to research methods and data analysis in the health sciences. 1st edition. Routledge.
- Taylor B., Francis K. (2013) Qualitative research in the health sciences (methodologies, methods and processes). 1st edition. Routledge.
- Bowling A. (2009) Research methods in health. 3rd edition. Open University Press.
- Genet T. (2011) Introduction to statistics: basics, concepts, methods. VDM Verlag Dr. Müller.
- Polgar S. (2007) Introduction to research in the health sciences. 5th edition. Churchill Livingstone.
Subject specific skills
No subject specific skills defined for this module.
Transferable skills
No transferable skills defined for this module.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 14 sessions of 1 hour (9%) |
| Practical classes | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Other activity | 11 hours (7%) |
| Private study | 47 hours (31%) |
| Assessment | 68 hours (45%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Students would be expected to engage in 115 hours of self-directed learning outside other learning and teaching activities outlined above. We expect this time will be spent on background reading prior to classes, research for written assignments and examination preparation. We anticipate that 60% of this time will go on preparations for assessments. Although all activities including background reading prior to the class will also benefit preparations for assessments.
Other activity description
Technology enhanced learning, including the use of online interactive presentations and videos, quizzes
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Literacy Examination | 50% | 34 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Examination- 2 hours |
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| Pairs Project | 50% | 34 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Inclusive of Interview Transcript and Report. This will involve students interviewing a researcher about their work, transcribing and then summarising the interview. Interviews provide a quantitative and/or qualitative method of gathering information. This assessment will enable students to demonstrate understanding of different types of interview methods, procedures involved in conducting a well-designed interview and how to present their findings in a formal report. |
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Feedback on assessment
Both assessments will provide feedback to the students (including individualised feedback) using standardised rubric in line with WMS assessment criteria, including submission to Plagiarism software. Further verbal feedback will be available to students on request. Every student who fails an element of assessment will be offered an appointment for face to face feedback.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UMDA-B990 Undergraduate Health and Medical Sciences