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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Research & Evaluation Methods
Module Code HEA1040 (ITS: NS5118)
Faculty Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health School Science & Health
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
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


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture18Class based instruction
Lecture8Synchronous online class
Lecture4Asynchronous Online class
Fieldwork30Specified readings
Independent Study190Reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module. Independent preparation for literature review and research proposal
Total Workload: 250
Section Breakdown
CRN11312Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorLeona BannonModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentAssignment in both Semester 1 & 2100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Creswell, J.: 2013, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Approaches, SAGE,
  • Ranjit Kumar: 2019, Research Methodology, 5th, SAGE Publications Limited, LA, 0, 978-1-5264-4989-4
  • Atkinson, P., Delamont, S.: 2010, SAGE Qualitative research methods, SAGE,
  • Jacques M. Chevalier,Daniel J. Buckles: 2019, Participatory Action Research: Theory and Methods for Engaged Inquiry, 2nd, Routledge, 9781138491328
  • 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, 96, 9780323759243
  • Stephen J. Walters,Michael J. Campbell,David Machin: 2020, Medical Statistics, John Wiley & Sons, 448, 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
  • JOSETTE. MCSHERRY BETTANY-SALTIKOV (ROBERT.),Robert Mcsherry: 0, How to Do a Systematic Literature Review in Nursing: A Step-by-Step Guide, 3/e, 3rd, Open University Press McGraw Hill, Maidenhead, 9780335251148
  • Helen Kara: 2018, Research Ethics in the Real World, Policy Press, 212, 978-1447344759
  • Byrne, D.: 2016, Research ethics / David Byrne, SAGE Publications,, Los Angeles, CA,


Articles:
  • Philipp C. Sauer, Stefan Seuring: 2023, How to conduct systematic literature reviews in management research: a guide in 6 steps and 14 decisions, Review of Managerial Science, 17, 1899, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-023-00668-3, 522923
  • 2024: Exploration of Evaluation Practices in Social Prescribing Services in Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study., Healthcare, 12(2), 219, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10815325/, 522924, 1
  • Measuring social exclusion in healthcare settings: a scoping review.: International journal for equity in health, 17(1), 15, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-018-0732-1,
Other Resources

  • 1: Online database (of research training resourc, SAGE, SAGE Research Methods: online resource/ database,
  • 419529: 1, Website, Gov UK, 2018, Guidance Evaluation methods: evaluation in health and wellbeing, uk
  • https://www.gov.uk/guidance/evaluation-in-health-and-wellbeing-methods:

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