module specification

 - To provide students with an understanding of approaches to research and evaluation
- To enable students to engage with research methods and findings related to their profession
- To enable students to integrate and apply the skills and knowledge base underpinning their professional education in a sustained piece of independent academic work (Project)

 This is an individual project that allows the student to carry out a systematic investigation of a topic.  The area of investigation is chosen by the student and should arise from personal and professional interest in an area of health.  The content of the project may be an extension of work already undertaken on the course, may arise out of an aspect of the student’s professional concerns, drawing together issues of theory and practice, or may be drawn from other topics within the field of health. All LO1-5

Learning will be supported in face to face and / or telephone tutorials, introductory workshops and seminars (including accessing and independent study.

A record of tutorials will be kept and signed by both tutor and student.

Reflection and discussion are key to teaching for all students - experiential learning promotes their growing ability to act as a reflective practitioner.

 On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Generate and explore research questions relating to health
2. Critique theory and practice relating to the chosen research question
3. Demonstrate competence in research skills related to health through carrying out an independent study using appropriate research methodologies in line with relevant research ethics
4. Present and discuss relevant research findings in relation to a chosen research question   in a coherent manner
5. Critically reflect on the research process

 Students will demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes through the submission of a written project.

This should generally contain the following elements,
1. An abstract.
2. A title and contents page.
3. An introduction to the study, outlining the rationale / context for the study.
4. A review of the literature central to the area studied.
5. A discussion of the methods of investigation used.
6. A presentation of the main findings from the data collected discussed in relation to research and theories relevant to the topic.
7. Conclusions.
8. Acknowledgements, appendices and a reference section.

Students’ individual supervisors will provide formative non-assessed feedback throughout the module. Students will agree a timetable for submitting draft chapters with their supervisor, who will provide written feedback.  The prerequisite module on research methods will also give formal formative assessment, preparing students for the project.

 Bell, J. (2018) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. 7th Ed. Maidenhead : McGraw-Hill, Open University Press
Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. 3rd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Coughlan, M. and Cronin, P. (2017) Doing a Literature Review in Nursing, Health and Social Care, London: Sage
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
Moule, P. (2018). Making sense of research in nursing, health and social care.
London: Sage
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