PE4S244 - Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S244
Module Title: Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Community and Professional Practice Nursing
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Nursing Practice
Module Leader: Anne-Marie Coll
Module Team: Nova Corcoran, Joseph Sunday, Teresa Filipponi, Precious O'Driscoll
First Intended Intake: SEP 2022 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101317 - environmental and public health
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To develop advanced knowledge and skills to critically appraise, evaluate and apply research methods, statistics and epidemiological concepts within the public health arena.

Content Summary

Key terminology used in epidemiological and research studies including prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positives and false negatives
Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data Interpreting calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and power.
Descriptive and inferential statistical tests and their application
Methodologies uses in qualitative and quantitate research
Critical appraisal skills for quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research across a range of different health topics
Critical evidence based practice
Ethical issues around the collection, interpretation, dissemination and use of public health research and data
Literature search strategies and their utilization to answer questions generated by public health practice
Generating appropriate research questions using PICO
Systematically locating research studies using robust search strategies
Critical analysis of public health evidence using appropriate frameworks
Communication of recommendations for practice

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 28
Tutorial 2
Practical classes and workshops 4
Directed Study 150
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 4
Formative Assessment - Independent 8
Groupwork 4
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate the ability to design and undertake a systematic search strategy in a public health area and apply critical appraisal techniques to quantitative and qualitative research studies and be able to synthesise what findings mean for public health research and practice.
LO2 Demonstrate understanding of basic epidemiological study design features including key statistical concepts and interpretation of data, graphs and tables.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1 An oral presentation to include a research question, an appropriate rationale linked to public health, a replicable search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, key words and limiters, commentary on the calibre of evidence found and an outline of the main themes within which the findings are discussed. Brief conclusion to include what these findings add to future practice 20 N/A 60 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Assessment (Exam) Onsite Closed Book Examination 1 A part seen/unseen exam. Critical appraisal skills demonstration of a quantitative research paper (seen) and short answer questions. 120 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Online) 1
Onsite Closed Book Examination 1

Reading List

Aveyard, H. & Sharp, P.(2007; 2013) Evidence based practice for beginners: a practical guide. OUP/McGraw Hill Berkshire

Bell, J. and Waters, S. (2018). Doing your Research Project: a Guide for First-time Researchers. 7th ed. London, England: McGraw-Hill Education.

Bowling, A. (2014). Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services. 4th ed. Maidenhead, Berkshire England: Open University Press.

Creswell, J.W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. 4th ed. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Denscombe, M. (2014). The Good Research Guide: For Small Scale Research Projects. 5th ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Greenhalgh, T (2014) How to read a paper. Wiley Blackwell/BMJ1 books.

Jacobsen, K.H. (2020). Introduction to Health Research Methods: A Practical Guide. 3rd ed. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Neuman, W.L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 7th ed. Harlow, Essex: Pearson.