Advanced Research Skills

The module is designed to enable students to explore the methodological issues and practical issues about research. It will assist students determine the right research design for their research questions in practice and provides an opportunity for students to debate, challenge and clarify research issues. This module provides students with the skills needed to source, evaluate, and implement evidence in practice. Students are also introduced to the many approaches used in synthesising evidence from primary studies. The module also prepares students to develop a research proposal/protocol in preparation to undertake a research study.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the steps of the research process and evidence-based practice

2. Critically discuss theoretical perspectives on research approaches and methodology across the qualitative, quantitative and evidence synthesis domains

3. Formulate an answerable research/clinical question using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Time (PICOT) (or equivalent) approach and demonstrate the ability to systematically search for evidence

4. Describe a plan with clear rationales for data collection, sampling, data analysis and rigour to be used when conducting a primary qualitative or quantitative study or evidence synthesis

5. Identify and discuss appropriate reporting guideline for research and discuss relevant application of guidelines with the chosen research approach

6. Defend appropriate project plan and outcomes pertaining to the proposed study