Research Methods - Keele University
 

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Key Facts

Module Title: Research Methods in Health
Mode of Study:Single Module
Contact Details:Sarah Skinner or Lynn Aylett 01782 734551
Contact email:shar.postgraduate@keele.ac.uk
Fees 2013/14: UK/EU students £450
Overseas students: £1055
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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 - 24 September 2012

 Semester 2

17-18 Jan 2013, 4-5 Feb 2013
Exam 8 March 2013

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)