POL6016 - Evidence Based Research Project

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, apprentices will be able to:

1 - Identify and understand an emerging issue or problem in a specific poling area to support an ethically sound research question; and,
2 - Devise an intervention to tackle the identified issue/ problem, including the collection and analysis of data to develop an evidence-based research approach.

Content:

This module will allow students to conduct research on a police-related issue which the force identifies as having the potential to add value within an operational delivery setting. This could come from either the West Yorkshire Police Knowledge Bank, which contains research areas generated through current issues provided from districts, police policy, practice, training, education or the apprentices’ experiences. Students will choose a specific issue relevant to their selected specialism which they will research using sound academic research methodology. The common elements of the research process will be covered, including, defining the research question(s), evaluation of current research evidence and related policy and/or professional practice, research design, research methods, research ethics, interpretation and evaluation of data and writing up and/or presenting the work. Specific research methods and analysis will also be a focus of learning.

This module will encourage students to reflect on where knowledge associated with British Values, Prevent, Healthy Relationships and Safeguarding have been developed.

English language, and where appropriate maths skills, will be developed through this module. Key skills associated with the above subjects are developed to enable students to add value within an operational delivery setting.

Digital skills will be developed through the utilisation of online resources such as the University's VLE, e-Portfolio system and Leeds Trinity University Library system.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module content will be delivered through taught sessions and one to one supervision meetings, of which there will be 5 allocated to each student over a period of 6 months, with further support provided by a blended learning approach using our VLE. This will enable the students to ensure their research is relevant and appropriate to the area they are researching and that it follows accepted academic practice within the scope of an undergraduate degree. Students will have the choice of working in groups on larger projects or on their own on smaller projects. However, all the students will write up and present their work for summative assessment on an individual basis. Ethical approval must be obtained prior to any primary research with or about people. Where students do not obtain ethical approval, they will undertake a desk-based research project using information in the public domain, or conduct a secondary analysis on an anonymised data set provided by WY Police.

Independent study time should be spent on specific pre learning (on-demand learning – available to all students on Moodle), for example, engaging in specific background reading of the topic and online exercises. Post learning activities will be provided by the module tutor, but these will generally be assessment focused enabling the learner to achieve the assessment requirements.

All activities and materials provided on Moodle will support the module content for the module delivery including pre, live and post activities and resources.The sequencing of the sessions will provide re-enforcement of the theoretical concepts developed during the delivery in a progressive pattern, aimed at developing knowledge and overall understanding.



Planned LTU Off-the-Job Delivery Learning

Taught Session
Hours: 8

One-to-one Supervision Meeting
Hours: 5

Allocated Study Block
Hours: 160



Minimum Self-Directed Off the Job Learning and Practical Training

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 227



Further Details Relating to Assessment
Formative assessment is captured within one-to-one dissertation supervisory sessions and four-week study block prior to assessment, offering feedback and feedforward opportunity.

The Assessment Brief and Module Handbook can both be located on Moodle.



Additional Regulations for Professional Policing:

Please note that the module is exempt from the regulation on marginal failure in order to meet the professional standards set by the College of Policing in the Assessment Plan for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. The following assessment criteria apply:
Application of selected specialist policing knowledge and skills (one from the following five areas: response, community, intelligence, investigation or roads / transport) and other higher-level skills and knowledge (sociology, criminology, evidence-based policing, critical thinking and problem solving) acquired during years 2-3 via an evidence-based research project, including:
- a critical evaluation of a complex body of policing-related knowledge
- demonstration of application of appropriate research methodologies and techniques
- analytical techniques and problem-solving skills applied in a policing context
- the critical evaluation of evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements which are communicated effectively
- a critical reflection of learning achieved during project
- comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of recommendations on workplace, workforce and service
- how professional integrity has been considered and applied within the evidence-based research project. Subject matter should be agreed with the force to ensure it has potential to add value within an operational delivery setting.

In assessing it, the requirements of the assessment plan are that it:

Relates directly to an agreed area of learning and associated attachment to a specified area of work (managed by the employing force).

- A final-year research project that demonstrates:
* a critical evaluation of a specific area of policing
* application of this knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional analytical approach to the Apprentice’s policing work
* an action research approach
* an analytical approach to solving complex problems
* the ability to gather and analyse relevant material to inform judgements that include critical reflection on relevant social, or ethical issues o effective presentation of information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
* skills necessary for Apprentices to continue to undertake further development with a high degree of autonomy.

- Evidence-based research project minimum requirements are:
* An academic piece of 60 credits with research and analysis focused on the Apprentice’s specialist area of operational activity. Specialist learning areas should be jointly agreed between the Apprentice, employing force and HEI.
* A substantial submission equivalent to 10,000 words.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 6
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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