Module: Research & Evaluation Methods

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research & Evaluation Methods
Module Code	NS5118 (ITS) / HEA1040 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinator	Leona Bannon
Module Teachers	Mary Nevin
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

This module will explore qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis techniques being used in the health and social sciences. Students will gather theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge about quantitative and qualitative approaches to research relevant for their programme of study. Students will critically appraise research, understand evidence syntheses, and develop the skills to plan a research project. The module will have a focus on engaged research, the principles of public involvement, and research design and planning, including ethical considerations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in literature searching/reviewing skills, an ability to critique research and a comprehensive appreciation of secondary research designs including evidence syntheses
2. Develop a deep understanding of engaged research and public involvement in research and an appreciation of participatory methodologies with differing populations
3. Exhibit advanced competence and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the nature of the processes of inquiry within each design
4. Develop a comprehensive understanding of how to write a research proposal
5. Understand ethical principles and requirements as they apply to research

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	6	Class based instruction
Lecture	16	Synchronous Online class
Fieldwork	30	Specified readings
Independent Study	198	Reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module. Independent preparation for literature review and research proposal
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Literature searching and literature reviewing
Identify, critique and interpret existing research in a potential research area - advanced literature searching including systematic reviews, meta-analysis and meta synthesis

Research Question
Framing and operationalising a quantitative and or qualitative research question

Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods
Surveys, interviews, focus group / interviews, Participatory methodologies with differing population groups

Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
Concepts and methods of relevance to health and social research e.g Statistical analysis, thematic analysis

Research Ethics
Concepts, principles, requirements and tools

Research Proposal
Development of a small scale research proposal

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment in both Semester 1 & 2	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Jacques M. Chevalier,Daniel J. Buckles: 2019, Participatory Action Research: Theory and Methods for Engaged Inquiry, 2nd, Routledge, 9781138491328
Atkinson, P., Delamont, S.: 2010, SAGE Qualitative research methods, SAGE,
Creswell, J.: 2013, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Approaches, SAGE,
Pallant, J.: 0, SPSS survival manual a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS (Online)., 7th, Open University Press.,
Dirk Schubotz: 2019, Participatory Research: Why and How to Involve People in Research, SAGE Publications Limited, 9781446273371
Liamputtong P. (ed.): 2022, (Living edition) Handbook of Social Inclusion Research and Practices in Health and Social Sciences. https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-3-030-48277-0, Springer,
Andrew Sixsmith, Judith Sixsmith, Alex Mihailidis, Mei Lan Fang (Eds.): 2021, Knowledge, Innovation, and Impact: A Guide for the Engaged Health Researcher, Wiley., London, 978-3-030-343
Barbara Davies,Jo Logan: 2021, Reading Research, Elsevier Health Sciences, 9780323759243
Stephen J. Walters,Michael J. Campbell,David Machin: 2020, Medical Statistics, John Wiley & Sons, 9781119423669
A Bowling: 2014, Research Methods In Health: Investigating Health And Health Services (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Health & Social Welfare), 4th, OUP, 978-033526274

Other Resources

64007, Online database (of research training resources), SAGE, 0, SAGE Research Methods: online resource/ database, https://methods-sagepub-com.dcu.idm.oclc.org,