Overview

Module content

Philosophical and epistemological issues; Relationship of theory to methodology - exploratory, descriptive and explanatory approaches; Theory building versus theory testing models of research; Research designs - experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative models; Principles of literature searching and critical appraisal; Issues relating to the robust collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; Sampling and notions of generalizability; Quantitative data analysis and the logic of statistical inference and hypothesis testing; Qualitative data analysis and thematic content analysis; Introduction to data analysis software; Mixed-methods research; Ethical issues and conflicts in health care research.

Module session dates

Please email sahp.postgraduate-admin@keele.ac.uk for the confirmed course dates.

Deadline for applications is 2 weeks prior to module start date.  Applying before this is recommended as spaces are awarded on a first come first served basis (assuming conditions of offers are met). 

Module aims

• To develop the student's understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of health and social research
• To enable the student to make an informed and appropriate choice of research design and methods
• To equip the student with critical appraisal skills
• To provide the student with the methodological foundation for a research dissertation

Entry requirements

Candidates should normally have undertaken a module in research methods at undergraduate level.

Candidates should normally have a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject and/or recognised professional qualifications.

Excluded combinations: Research Methods (PTY-40001), Research Methods (CLM-40006) , Healthcare Technology Assessment (MTE-40035), Researching and Evaluating your Practice (PHA-40099).

Module content

Philosophical and epistemological issues; Relationship of theory to methodology - exploratory, descriptive and explanatory approaches; Theory building versus theory testing models of research; Research designs - experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative models; Principles of literature searching and critical appraisal; Issues relating to the robust collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data; Sampling and notions of generalizability; Quantitative data analysis and the logic of statistical inference and hypothesis testing; Qualitative data analysis and thematic content analysis; Introduction to data analysis software; Mixed-methods research; Ethical issues and conflicts in health care research. 

Teaching and assessment

• Philosophical and epistemological issues;
• Relationship of theory to methodology - exploratory, descriptive and explanatory approaches;
• Theory building versus theory testing models of research;
• Research designs - experimental, quasi-experimental, survey and qualitative models;
• Principles of literature searching and critical appraisal;
• Issues relating to the robust collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data;
• Sampling and notions of generalizability;
• Quantitative data analysis and the logic of statistical inference and hypothesis testing;
• Qualitative data analysis and thematic content analysis;
• Introduction to data analysis software;
• Mixed-methods research;
• Ethical issues and conflicts in health care research.