Introductory description

Module web page

Module aims

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 addresses the following areas of study which form the teaching content of the taught study days:

• Literature searching and formulating a research question
• Study design
• Research ethics
• Writing a research protocolPresenting a protocol for peer feedback
• Journals and the publication process
  Project workshops to include:
• Preparing a poster presentation
• Critical writing
• Writing for publication

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate independent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Write succinctly in the format of an academic article for an appropriate journal within the discipline area of the programme for which the student is registered and present work visually in the format of an academic poster.
• Develop an appropriate research proposal and protocol that complies with ethical principles and addresses a research question or evaluates an area of professional practice within the discipline area of the programme for which the student is registered.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in the critical evaluation and synthesis of the research evidence in an area of professional practice and consider possible developments and improvements for implementation.
• Apply the principles and techniques of critical appraisal to evaluate the limitations of research evidence, including complex interventions and studies at the forefront of methodological development in an area of professional practice within the discipline area of the programme for which the student is registered.
• Justify the choice of methodology and how this applies to research or enquiry within the discipline area of the programme for which the student is registered.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in planning, information gathering and data interpretation and synthesis for research enquiry.

Indicative reading list

GENERAL
Denscombe M (2014) The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects, 4th edition.
Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.
Robson C (2016) Real World Research: a resource for users of social research methods in applied settings,
4th edition. Chichester: Wiley.
Seale C (Ed.) (2012) Researching Society and Culture 3rd edition. London: Sage.
Companion web site at http://www.uk.sagepub.com/seale/home.htm
MIXED METHODS
Hannes, K. & Lockwood, C. (Eds.) (2012) Synthesizing qualitative research: Choosing the right approach.
Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell & BMJ Books.
Biggam, J. (2011) Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A Step by Step Handbook. 2nd edition,
Maidenhead. Open University Press.
Griffiths, F. (2009) Research methods for health care practice. London. Sage.
Locke, L et al. (2007). Proposals that work: a guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. 5th
edition, London: Sage.
QUANTITATIVE
Altman D.J (ed) (2000) Statistics with confidence: confidence intervals and statistical guidelines. 2nd ed. London: BMJ Books.
Bland, M. (2000) An introduction to medical statistics. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Greasley P (2008). Quantitative data analysis using SPSS. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Oppenheim A.N. (2010) Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude Measurement. London. Pinter Petrie, A , Sabin, C (2009) Medical Statistics at a Glance, 3rd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell
QUALITATIVE
Green J and Thorogood, N (2009). Qualitative methods for health research. 2nd edition. London: Sage.
King, N. & Horrocks C. (2010). Interviews in qualitative research. London: Sage
Riessman, C. (2008) Narrative methods for the human sciences. Sage
Robson, C (2016). Real world research. 4th edition. London. Blackwell.
Saldana, J. (2009) The coding manual for qualitative researchers. London: Sage
Silverman, D. (2011) Interpreting qualitative data. 4th Edition. London. Sage.
Smith, JA. (ed) (2008) Qualitative psychology: a practical guide to research methods.
London: Sage. (2nd edition)
Tracy, S. J. (2013) Qualitative research methods: collecting methods, crafting analysis,
communicating impact. Wiley-Blackwell

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

This module enables students to conduct a substantial piece of original enquiry that is relevant to their Master's
programme. Students propose a topic and work independently with the support of a supervisor. Students present their
work in both written and visual formats and are encouraged to disseminate their findings.

Subject specific skills

Sound understanding of subject
Critically evaluate
Reflection

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Thinking and problem solving
written communication
oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation & time management
Use of tools and technology
Commercial awareness
Independence and initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility