AC0778 - Research: Approaches, Methods and skills

A number of different strategies are used within this module to assist your learning around research within the public health and healthcare management setting. More formal learning will take place within lectures where you will be presented with theoretical background knowledge upon which to build your understanding. This module embraces an interactive approach to learning, so in seminar sessions you will be able to further develop your appreciation of research principles through discussion and peer learning. You will use a range of desktop research exercises to experience the stages of the research process. You will have the opportunity to experience data collection and data analysis through the use of anonymised public available data during research workshops. You will also be involved in discussing research methodology and findings with your peers during collegiate seminar sessions. You will be taught by lecturers with current research experience and who have expertise in particular methodological approaches. Your lectures will be recorded and stored within the e-learning portal for you to visit again if you wish.

The module tutors are available to support you with your learning during the module and will have assignment tutorial support leading up to the submission of your research proposal. Your peers on the programme will also be able to provide you with support. Many of the activities undertaken within seminar sessions are aimed at enabling fellow students to talk and learn with, and from one another. The library also offer study skills support in the form of helpful work sheets.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the module you will have:

1. Demonstrated a critical awareness and evaluation of a range of philosophical research approaches to enquiry.

2. Critically appraised the research literature in a specific area of public health / healthcare management.

3. Demonstrated a systematic understanding of evidence based knowledge to critically justify the choice of a research methodology to apply to a specific public health / healthcare management issue.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
By the end of the module you will have:

4. Demonstrated advanced competence in the location, retrieval and management of literature from a variety of sources.
5. Identified ethical issues arising within public health or healthcare management and strategies for their management.
6. Critically evaluated appropriate methods of data collection and data analysis for research within public health / healthcare management.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
By the end of the module you will have:

7. Critically reflected on your role within the research process of global and multi-cultural public health / healthcare management issues and contexts.

Summative Assessment:

4,000 word research proposal. The proposal should include as a minimum: Background, literature review/rationale, aims and objectives, research question or hypothesis, research approach, review search strategy or project outline, consideration of ethics, governance issues, validity / reliability / trustworthiness and reflection on your role in the process.
(Module Learning Outcomes 1-7)

Formative assessment:

The formative assessment will be broken down in two parts, on which you will get individual written feedback in a way that best informs the development of your research proposal. Formative assessment parts will follow the structure of the module. You will be asked to produce 500 words (no more) to apply the learning in class to your proposed dissertation topic. You will be given written feedback, which you will be able to follow on in tutorials at the end of the module if needed.
The formative tasks will be as follow:
Part 1: formulate a research question linked to your area of interest and explain which data collection methods you will use to answer it.
Part 2: detail the broader research design (including methodology and data analysis) best apt at answering your research question. (Module Learning Outcomes 1-7)

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On this module you will appreciate the knowledge and skills needed to undertake research. You will learn about research philosophy, methodology and the different methods associated with a range of research traditions. You will explore the value of research evidence in informing public health and healthcare management practices and be able to apply the principles of research to critically appraise research quality. You will be able to develop a research proposal which demonstrates your understanding and critical appraisal of how to plan and undertake a research project. You will develop a range of skills so that you can use and apply appropriate research to build robust understanding, knowledge and insights on the issues that concern you. These are all key skills that are identified as important by employers.