Advanced Research Methods

This course will introduce you to more complex study designs and higher-level critical appraisal. Several research methods will be explored in depth with consideration of both quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods designs.

During the course, you will be guided and supported to develop the skills required by professional researchers to disseminate research plans and findings in a range of contexts. The course will equip you to evaluate the utility of different research designs to address specific research questions.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for those working in the field of health who would like to further develop their basic knowledge of research methods in order to undertake their own research, enhance their understanding of medical research, and/or enhance their ability to provide evidence-based care for patients.

Timetable

The course will start on Friday 22^nd January 2021, and finish on Friday 2^nd April 2021.

For the year 2020/21 all course content will be provided asynchronously online, with the exception of some support sessions which will be held synchronously.

Course content addressing a new topic will be posted online each week. Online activities and teaching will total approximately 30 hours across the course.

Students are expected to conduct around 120 hours of self-directed learning for this course.

Benefits

This course equips you with a detailed understanding of advanced research designs to support your own independent research and your ability to interpret and appraisal medical evidence.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

• Evaluate the utility of different research designs to address specific research questions.
• Apply knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methods in the design of health-related research.
• Justify the use of mixed methodology studies in a healthcare context.

Skills:

• Critically appraise relevant healthcare research.
• Systematically identify and review empirical research papers.
• Synthesise available evidence to reach informed conclusions.
• Develop skills as an independent learner to support your continuing academic development and development as a researcher.
• Develop excellent communication skills to express your point of view through both written and oral mediums.

Teaching

All teaching will take place online asynchronously with some synchronous support sessions. A variety of online learning and teaching methods will be used, including video lectures, discussion forums, quizzes, group work and self-directed learning. Key learning and teaching resources will be put on Moodle. In the independent study time, you will be encouraged to read widely and in depth around particular topics.

Assessment

The assessment for this course consists of a critical evaluation of research design. This is a 3,000-word essay which will constitute 100% of your course mark. During the course you will have the opportunity to engage in assignment preparation sessions and receive some formative feedback on your work before submission. The assessment is submitted after the end of the course and must be passed at 50%.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

Non-EEA students can only apply as part of a programme, not as a stand-alone course.

All entrants to the Programme must be in possession of a relevant first degree.

The normal entry requirements are:

• Applicants will normally hold a BSc (hons) degree (2:1 or above) from a recognised higher education institution
  • Non-standard entrants will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Applicants must have undertaken an introductory research methods course.

English requirements

For those students whose first language is not English the following qualification is also required:

• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum 7 in all categories)

Indicative Reading List

• Akers J. (2009) Systematic reviews: CRD's guidance for undertaking reviews in health care / Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. York: CDR, University of York.
• Bourgeault, I, Dingwall, R. and de Vries, R. (2013) The SAGE handbook of qualitative methods in health research. London: Sage.
• Bowling A. (2014) Research Methods In Health: Investigating Health And Health Services. 4th edition McGraw-Hill.
• Bowling A. (2009) Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services. Third edition. Buckingham, Open University Press.
• Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods. 5th edition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014) A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research (Sage Mixed Methods Research)
• Denzin, N and Lincoln, Y. (eds) (2011) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Third edition. London, Sage.
• Gough, D. Oliver, S. and Thomas, J. (2012) An introduction to systematic reviews. London: Sage.
• Streiner, L and Norman, GR. (eds) (2014) Health measurement scales: a practical guide to their development and use, 5th edition. Oxford University Press.