Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Research Methods and Evaluation
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner:: Brid Delahunt
Departments: Life and Health Sciences
Module Description: This purpose of this module is to enable the student to a) develop knowledge of core concepts in research and b) critique various methods /methodologies in line with evidence- based practice.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explain the key tenets of evidence -based practice
MLO2 Compare and contrast research paradigms and identify key similarities and differences in paradigms
MLO3 Describe the various stages of the research process
MLO4 Discuss and evaluate key components/constructs in the conduct of qualitative and quantitative research.
MLO5 Critically evaluate scholarly research relevant to the discipline of Nutrition and Health
MLO6 Evaluate the role of the researcher in qualitative and quantitative designs
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Evidence Based Practice
The contribution of EBP to professional practice, key tenets , facilitators and barriers to EBP.
Research Paradigms
Research Paradigms: Philosophical Assumptions of quantitative and qualitative research including key similarities and differences: holistic versus particularistic approaches; subjectivity versus objectivity; inductive versus deductive reasoning; linear versus emergent designs; generalizability versus transferability of findings.
The Research Design
Appraising relevant Nutrition and Health related designs: critiquing literature reviews and subsequent research question(s) or hypotheses; selecting congruent designs and the strengths and weaknesses of these. Ethical issues to be addressed when planning and conducting research. Sampling selection strategies and the strengths and limitations of these. Appraising suitable data collection tools for quantitative and qualitative research including psychometric considerations. Evaluating data collection tools. Critically reviewing the results and findings in research papers.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Example of Course Work.
Critiquing Methodologies/Methods in Published Research.

The students will be provided with a framework to enable them to critique a qualitative or quantitative research article from a journal relevant to the discipline of Nutrition and Health. They will be expected to outline paradigmatic assumptions, evaluate key components and discuss strengths and limitations of the overall study (including ethical issues).
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
n/a
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact 14 weeks x 5 hours Every Week 5.00 5
Directed Reading Non Contact 14 weeks x 5 hours Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact 14 weeks x 3 hours Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 13.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
This module has no Part-time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Creswell, J. W. Creswell, J.D. (2022), Research Design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 6th ed. Sage Publications LTD, London, [ISBN: 978-1071817940].
  • Ogden, J. (2018), Thinking Critically about Research: A Step by Step Approach, Routledge, London, [ISBN: 0367000202].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Website https://students.flinders.edu.au/content /d, Flinders University. (2022), Critiquing Research Article, Flinders University.
  • Website, CASP UK. (2023), Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, UK,
    https://casp-uk.net/