The purpose of this module is to help students to learn about and develop an understanding of the social, political, ethical and personal context of the research process. The module focuses on clarifying and challenging the major assumptions underlying research paradigms, theories and methods. The module will provide students with an advanced understanding of the practical application, and the challenges and contribution of research to health care delivery. On completion of this module students will be prepared to plan a research study. 

 

This module explores;

• Philosophical underpinnings of the research paradigms and their application to nursing and midwifery practice; Reviewing the literature, refining the research question within the relevant paradigm.
• Ethical and professional factors throughout the research process.
• Exploration of practical issues relating to qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and design; Specific processes relevant to quantitative research: Instruments and their use.
• Approaches to quantitative data analysis; PC based statistical packages, levels of measurement and statistical analysis. Specific processes relevant to qualitative research e.g. interview, fieldwork, participant observation, and focus groups.
• Approaches to qualitative data analysis; thematic coding, discourse, semiotic and conversation analysis, computer aided data management; Preparation, interpretation and presentation of data and scientific report writing.