Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2012 - 2013

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	NS403
School	School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr. Mary Rose Sweeney	Office Number	H259
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module will provide the student with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude to appreciate research design, evidence based practice, critical appraisal and principles of developing a research proposal. Throughout this module, both the recommended reading and the assignments integrate/apply research to clinical practice but also link in the other direction, from ones clinical practice to research. Students are encouraged to appreciate the two way flow that research informs practice and that practice can inform research. For example students will identify an area of their practice and formulate an answerable research question that arises for them in the course of their daily work and propose a methodology to answer this question. Students are also asked to think about the ethical issues that would arise in conducting the research in this setting and how the principles of evidence based practice could apply to their particular clinical setting. Students are asked to critique a number of research articles and to examine the implications of the finings for their practice, in so doing they are making the link from research back to their clinical practice. Assessment Breakdown and Coursework breakdown;- 50 % continuous assessment – 5 separate pieces of work (1000 word limit for each assessment) contributing 10% each. 50% exam – The exam is a 2-hour exam. Students must answer 3 questions out of 5 questions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop practice-related and research questions.
2. Apply the principles of evidence based practice in relation to an aspect of practice relevant to the student's own area of practice.
3. Discuss qualitative and quantitative research methods
4. Appraise research studies in the professional literature.
5. Discuss the principles of reporting and disseminating research findings and their application in nursing practice.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	7	No Description
Online activity	100	On-line discussion
Independent Study	143	No Description
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

Evidence Based Practice

Research Design

Critical Appraisal of Literature

Sampling strategies for Qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Data Analysis

Methodological Rigour

Principles of developing a research proposal.

Dissemination and application of research findings.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Pam Moule and Margaret Goodman: 2009, Nursing Research An Introduction, 1st Edition, Sage Publications,
Polit & Beck: 2004, Nursing Research: principles and methods (, 7th Edition, Lippincott, Philadelphia,
Melnyk B and Fineout–Overholt E: 2005, Evidenced Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: Guide to best practice., Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.,
Lo Biondo-Wood, G & Haber, J: 2006, Nursing Research: Methods Critical Appraisal and Utilization., 6th Edition, Mosby, St. Louis,
Carol Boswell, Sharon Cannon.: 2007, Introduction to Nursing Research. Incorporating Evidence-Based Practice, Jones and Bartlett, USA,
Janet Houser: 0, Nursing Research. Reading, Using, and Creating Evidence, Jones and Bartlett., USA.,
Various: 0, Published papers in the area of students clinical practice will also be included for the purposes of critique.,

Other Resources

1111, Published papers in the area of students clinical , 0, Various,

Programme or List of Programmes

BNS	Bachelor of Nursing Studies (Hons)
BNT	Bachelor of Nursing Theory (BNT)
GPPCA	GCert/GDip/MSc Primary Care (Access)
NU	BNS in Nursing

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