Module: Researching Child Health

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Researching Child Health
Module Code	NUR1007 (ITS: NS491)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will provide students with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the research process by reviewing different forms of research literature in the context of child and family healthcare research. It will also foster students knowledge of the process and application of evidence based practice and its utilisation in children's nursing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstate an understanding of the steps of the research process
2. Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
3. Discuss data collection methods and analysis approaches for different research methodologies
4. Show an understanding of ethical principles involved in conducting research with children/families
5. Evaluate the quality, utility, and applicability, of research outcomes in caring for children and their families

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	9	Lecturer delivers formal information in classroom setting
Tutorial	4	Lecturer facilitates informal session critiquing research papers
Class Presentation	3	Student group presentation
Independent Study	106	Students time for reading/learning to consolidate theory/formal lecture
Independent Study	3	Assignment groupwork
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10786	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lisa McIlmurray	Module Teacher	Colleen O'Neill, Veronica Lambert

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	n/a	100%	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

The Research Process
This session will provide an overview of the steps of the research process and discuss the principles to consider when reviewing research studies.

Qualitative Research
This section will provide an overview of qualitative research designs and discuss the steps of the research process (e.g. design, sample, data collection / analysis, trustworthiness, ethical issues, disseminating, research utilisation/application in everyday nursing practice etc.) according to qualitative research, including key factors that should be considered when reviewing qualitative research studies. Following this session students will engage in discussion regarding the steps of the research process relevant to qualitative research. This will be achieved through reviewing qualitative research papers in the context of child health and supported by face-to-face tutorials.

Quantitative Research
This section will provide an overview of quantitative research designs and discuss the steps of the research process (e.g. design, sample, data collection / analysis, validity / reliability, ethical issues, disseminating, research utilisation/application in everyday nursing practice etc.) according to quantitative research, including key factors that should be considered when reviewing quantitative research studies. Following this session students will engage in discussion regarding the steps of the research process relevant to quantitative research. This will be achieved through reviewing quantitative research papers in the context of child health and supported by face-to-face tutorials.

Evidence Based Practice
This section will equip students with the skills to source, appraise, and apply evidence to practice, supporting the care of the child/adolescent and their family with ongoing healthcare needs.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Peter Ellis: 2025, Understanding Research for Nursing Students, Learning Matters, 0, 9781036201135
Merryl Harvey,Lucy Land: 2022, Research Methods for Nurses and Midwives, 2nd Edition, Sage Publications Limited, 464, 9781529722840
Susan K. Grove,Jennifer R. Gray: 2022, Understanding Nursing Research, Elsevier, 544, 9780323826419
Carol Boswell,Sharon Cannon: 2022, Introduction to Nursing Research: Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice with Navigate Advantage Access, 6th Edition, Jones & Bartlett Learning, 444, 9781284252149
Polit Denise,DENISE. POLIT,Cheryl Beck: 2021, Essentials of Nursing Research, 10th Edition, LWW, 512, 9781975141851
Kader Parahoo: 2014, Nursing Research, 3rd Edition, Red Globe Press, 0, 9781137281265
Anne D Greig,Jayne Taylor,Tommy MacKay: 2012, Doing Research with Children, 3rd Edition, SAGE Publications Limited, 312, 9780857028860
E. Kay M. Tisdall,John M Davis,Michael Gallagher: 2009, Researching with Children and Young People, SAGE Publications Limited, 252, 9781412923897

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Government Publication, Department of Children and Youth Affairs., 2012, Guidance for developing ethical research projects involving children., Dublin, Department of Children and Youth Affairs.