2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HECS2201 Research for Healthcare and Social Work Professionals

10 Credits Class Size: 300

Module manager: Helen Atherton
Email: H.L.Atherton@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Pre-requisite qualifications

Normally 120 credits at level 1

Pre-requisites

HECS1100 Learning Together; Working Together

Mutually Exclusive

HECS2146 Research Methods & Evaluation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Students will be introduced to basic methods of quantitative and qualitative research and will learn to understand the steps of the research process. They will explore the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research in health and social care. Students will develop skills in order to critically appraise both research publications.

Objectives

The main focus of this module is the further development of research skills and knowledge to underpin the use of research to inform healthcare and social work practice. With reference to the concepts of evidence-based practice, practice effectiveness, practice governance and ethical principles, students will discuss the relationship between health and social care policy and responsibility for practice.

The module will provide an overview of the basic methods of quantitative and qualitative research. This includes data collection and analysis appropriate to the research method. The strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in health and social care will be considered.

Students will critically appraise both qualitative and quantitative research publications and identify and discuss the facilitators and barriers to the application of research in practice.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

Explain the main implications, strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research for health care and social work practice

Through critical appraisal of research publications demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic methods of quantitative and qualitative research, including data collection and analysis

Illustrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of evidence-based practice, practice) effectiveness, practice governance and ethical principles

Understand the relationship between health and social care policy and their responsibility for applying evidence to health and social work practice

Skills outcomes

Using electronic databases for information retrieval. Basic descriptive statistics, basic textual analysis, critical appraisal skills.

Syllabus

Qualitative and quantitative methods of research.
The ethics and governance of health care and social work research.
Introduction to statistical concepts used in research.
Levels and hierarchy of evidence.
The nature and variety of evidence related to health care and social work including audit, evaluation, (clinical) guidelines and research.
Critical appraisal techniques for qualitative and quantitative literature using a framework for judging the quality of a range of different types of literature.
The concept and techniques of systematic review.
Socio-political influences on the policy framework underpinning practice effectiveness and governance agendas.
The relationship between evidence based working and professional accountability.
The implementation of evidence based research findings into 'real world' health care and social work practice.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 12 1 12
Tutorial 10 1 10
Independent online learning hours 3
Private study hours 75
Total Contact hours 22
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Private study

Private study will comprise completion of directed reading (including book chapters, journal articles and research methods scenarios) for discussion in weekly tutorials. Students will also be encouraged to engage with a series of online activities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the key issues covered in the module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will participate in tutorial sessions throughout the module. This will enable them to self-assess their knowledge and understanding of the module content through active engagement with questions posed by a member of the module team.
Academic support will provide formative feedback in accordance with School of Healthcare guidelines.


Monitoring of Progress:
Weekly tutorial preparation and participation. Informal classroom quizzes based on understanding of research language and application of statistical concepts. Support in accordance with the School of Healthcare policy on academic support.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay 2500 words 100
Tutorial Performance FORMATIVE: Formative quizzes as part of the tutorials 0
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/06/2021

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team