CYP5042 - Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of a range of research methodologies and their key features;
Evaluate critically the potential usefulness of various research methodologies for exploring specific types of research question, taking account of ethics;
Critically assess published research;
Understand the basic process of designing, conducting and writing up research;
Understand the relationship between research, policy and practice.

Content:

The module is taught through a series of topics, which allow students to learn about, use and critique distinct research methodologies and their application. We explore the scientific method and how to do and not do a good experiment through the real life case studies e.g. case study giving pupils fish oil to boost their examination performance. We explore the use of secondary sources by critically examining how statistics relate to policy processes. This gives the course a strong practical and policy relevance.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be taught via lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops, utilising a range of pedagogies. This will include case studies, discussion groups and project work.

Lectures, seminars and workshops
Hours: 30
Intended Group size: Cohort

On-line support and small group tutorials
Hours: 1 (min)
Intended Group size: 6-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 169

Further details relating to assessment The research proposal tests students’ abilities to design, justify and plan out a coherent research project. They must:
• Design realistic aims and objectives;
• Undertake a literature review and provide a rationale for their chosen research;
• Critically justify the methodological approach and selection of methods, weighing up strengths and weaknesses;
• Design a workable project timetable;
• Justify the research in terms of intended outcomes;
• Critically discuss the ethical implications of conducting the research.