module specification

This module focuses upon the main research methodologies used in the study of health, preparing students for their own research projects as well as enabling them to read and critique the research of others.

This module aims to enable students to:
- Develop the ability to describe, analyse and constructively critique the major research methodologies in the field of health
- Develop an awareness of ethics in relation to research
- Apply skills in designing their own research projects
- Develop skills in critiquing published research

Students will be introduced to areas such as qualitative and quantitative research design and different approaches to research, alongside a range of methods used in health.   The module will also focus upon ethical considerations in relation to health research, and will devote time to looking at research that incorporates service users’ and practitioners’ perspectives.  Anti-oppressive practice  and addressing diversity within research will also be considered.  The module will conclude with sessions on how to conduct a literature review and how to analyse and present data.  Throughout the module, students will be asked to critique published research using the method focused upon that week.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. To  understand  and critique research methodologies used in the field of health
2. Demonstrate an understanding of research ethics
3. Understand a range of research methods
4. Be able to critique existing research in health 

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Describe, analyse and constructively critique the major research methodologies used in the field of health
2. Apply ethics in relation to research
3. Understand a range of research methods
4. Be able to critique existing research in health

Students will demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes through the submission of a research project proposal 3000-3500 words.

This will be a research project proposal that incorporates:
- Research question/ statement, aim and objectives  
- Background  and rationale
- A methodology section
- A time table
- A brief discussion of research ethics in relation to proposed study. 

Bell, J. (2010) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. 5th Ed. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill, Open University Press
Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. 3rd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Gomm, R. (2008) Social research methodology: a critical introduction. 2nd Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
May, T (2011) Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process. 4th Ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press
Neuman, W. (2007) Basics of social research: qualitative and quantitative approaches. London: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon
Nazroo, J. (ed.) (2006) Health and social research in multiethnic societies. London: Routledge.
Patton, M. (2002) Qualitative research and evaluation methods. 3rd Ed. London: Sage
Punch, K.F. (2005) Introduction to social research: quantitative and qualitative approaches. 2nd Ed. London: Sage
Sapsford, R. (2006) Survey Research. 2nd Ed. London: Sage.
Sarantakos, S (2005) Social Research. 3rd Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Williams, M. (2003) Making sense of social research. London: Sage

On-line Resources
Sociological Research Online: www.socresonline.org.uk
Social Research Update: www.soc.surrey.ac.uk/SRU

E Books
Aveyard, H. (2010) Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide. 2nd Ed. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill/Open University Press
Denscombe, M. (2010) Ground rules for social research: guidelines for good practice. 2nd Ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Iphofen, R. Ethical decision making in social research: a practical guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Reardon, D. (2006) Doing your undergraduate project. London: Sage.
Sheppard, M. (2004) Appraising and using social research in the human services: an introduction for social work and health professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

E Journals
Current Research Journal of Social Sciences
Evaluation Review: A Journal of Applied Social Research
Journal of International Social Research