Faculty of Health

Module content
Philosophical and epistemological issues; Relationship of theory to methodology - exploratory, descriptive and explanatory approaches; Theory building versus theory testing models of research; Research designs - experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative models; Principles of literature searching and critical appraisal; Issues relating to the robust collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; Sampling and notions of generalizability; Quantitative data analysis and the logic of statistical inference and hypothesis testing; Qualitative data analysis and thematic content analysis; Introduction to data analysis software; Mixed-methods research; Ethical issues and conflicts in health care research.

Module Session dates

Induction for new students recommended - 23 September 2013

Semester 1

10-11 October 2013 & 7-8 November 2013

Exam 6 December 2013

Semester 2

16-17 January 2014 & 3-4 February 2014

Exam 7 March 2014

Module Aims:

• To develop the students’ understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of health and social research
• To enable the student to make an informed and appropriate choice of research design and methods
• To equip the student with critical appraisal skills
• To provide the student with the methodological foundation for a research dissertation

Entry requirements
Candidates should normally have undertaken a module in research methods at undergraduate level. Candidates should normally have a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject and/or recognised professional qualifications.
Excluded combinations: Research methods (PTY-40001), Research methods (CLM-40006) , Healthcare technology assessment (MTE-40035), Researching and evaluating your practice (PHA-40099).

Module content
Philosophical and epistemological issues; Relationship of theory to methodology - exploratory, descriptive and explanatory approaches; Theory building versus theory testing models of research; Research designs - experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative models; Principles of literature searching and critical appraisal; Issues relating to the robust collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; Sampling and notions of generalizability; Quantitative data analysis and the logic of statistical inference and hypothesis testing; Qualitative data analysis and thematic content analysis; Introduction to data analysis software; Mixed-methods research; Ethical issues and conflicts in health care research.

Teaching Format

Block sessions: Lectures, seminars workshops and online delivery.

Assessment Type:                

• 50% of marks - an essay of 2,000 words
• 50% of marks - online tasks  (short answer questions and Multiple Choice Questions)