This module aims to provide opportunities for learners to:

1. Engage with debates underpinning elements of research enquiry, such as:
• The epistemological and ontological nature and validity of ‘ways of knowing’;
• Ethical processes and requirements;
• Qualitative and quantitative research paradigms; and,
• The influence of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary frameworks;
  
  
2. Strengthen critical thinking and appraisal skills in order to effectively undertake and disseminate a designated project and related dissertation / report.

Indicative content:

• Using electronic databases and information technology for the (virtual) ‘classroom’ and beyond.
• Nature of Knowledge 1: ‘how we know what we know’ (epistemologies).
• Nature of Knowledge 2: exploring ways of being (ontology).
• Research, audit and evidence-based practice: what’s the difference?
• Principles and assumptions for enquiry: exploring a range of different approaches.
• Ethical principles and procedures in healthcare enquiry.
• Reading, writing and appraising research.
• A systematic approach to literature reviews.
• Peer dissemination of your masters learning: the academic/professional poster & presentation Qualitative enquiry: principles, assumptions and key factors in appraising it.
• Quantitative enquiry: principles, assumptions and key factors in appraising it.
• Research design: proposing epistemology, methodology and methods.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

1. Undertake a comprehensive systematic appraisal of qualitative and quantitative research.
2. Evidence autonomous skills in the formulation and dissemination of a project proposal containing aims, objectives, research questions / hypotheses, literature review, methodology, methods and theoretical approach.
3. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the ethical implications associated with conducting research.

Assessment

Presentation: 100% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2 & 3.
Outline Details: A conference-acceptable presentation, critically synthesising the proposal for the dissertation project. The presentation should be of acceptable quality for dissemination at a professional / academic conference, engaging and stimulating peer discussion. It should be based on the project proposal and include the aims, objectives, research question / hypothesis / action plan to inform the proposed project. Epistemological, ontological and ethical principles should also be addressed.

Formative Assessment: Classroom or on-line or videoed presentation of the Poster.

Application Requirements

The teaching and learning activities supporting both the MA Health Care Practice, PG Diploma Specialist Community Public Health Nursing and PG Diploma Specialist Practice are developed to create and support a community of peers, for learning practice, between all participants and across all modes of delivery of the programme. There will be on-line (e.g. Panopto /Adobe Connect) and/or classroom-based lectures, Webinars, podcasts and disseminated presentations, group work, ‘Flipped classroom’ and collaborative discussions/presentations, interactive, shared learning opportunities e.g. via the Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) and/or BaseCamp/ SurveyMonkey.

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This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

P13991: MSc Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation