NP4S031 - Research Methods 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: NP4S031
Module Title: Research Methods
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Community and Professional Practice Nursing
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Nursing Practice
Module Leader: Darren Prince
Module Team: Owain Jones, Kevin McDonald, Nova Corcoran, Anne-Marie Coll
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100290 - nursing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

  • Provide a comprehensive grounding in research paradigms and methods.
  • Critically consider the relationship between the research context, research question, method and knowledge development.

Content Summary

An introduction to the research process with exposure to deductive and inductive approaches to research.

An exploration of the various stages of the research process including literature reviews, sampling methods and data collection techniques

Analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative approaches

Research principles and concepts such as validity and reliability

Ethical implications of research

Critical appraisal of published research

How to develop effective research proposals

The module is delivered using a blended learning approach incorporating face-to-face teaching and supported online delivery.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Practical classes and workshops 6
Independent Study 97
Directed Study 82
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 3
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically discriminate between research paradigms
LO2 Critique published research seeking out its strengths and weaknesses.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 Develop a research proposal including a critical review of relevant literature and a robust defence of the chosen method which demonstrates an understanding of the methodological issues relating to the study 0 3000 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Literature/book/paper review 1 A critical appraisal of two specified published research papers 0 2000 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1
Literature/book/paper review 1

Reading List

Aveyard, H (2014) Doing a literature review in health and social care a practical guide (Latest edition). Maidenhead: Open University Press

Bell, J (2014) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. (Latest edition). Maidenhead : Open University Press

Bowling A (2014) (4th Ed) Research Methods in Health; investigating health and health services Open University Press: Berkshire

Finlay, L & Ballinger, C (2006) Qualitative research for allied health professionals: challenging choices. Chichester: J. Wiley & Sons

Greenhalgh T (2019) (6th Ed) How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine and Healthcare WileyBlackwell: Chichester

Katz, M.H. (2006) Study design and statistical analysis: a practical guide for clinicians. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Polit, D & Beck, C (2017) Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice (Latest edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Wood, M. J., & Ross-Kerr, J. C. (2011). Basic steps in planning nursing research: From question to proposal. (Latest edition). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishing

Onwuegbuzie, A & Frels, R (2017) Seven Steps to a Comprehensive Literature Review: A Multimodal and Cultural Approach (Latest edition). London: Sage