MSc Specialist Practice (Cancer)

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Quantitative design and analysis

Course unit fact file
Unit code NURS60016
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Variable teaching patterns
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Research Design unit by examining quantitative research in greater depth in order to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of the quantitative research process and methods. Students will critically examine key concepts, designs and methods relevant to a range of different types of quantitative research. In addition students will specifically address the design of complex intervention studies using mixed methods. The knowledge gained will form the basis of a critical consideration of how, when and why quantitative research can be utilised, approaches to user participation and rigour in quantitative studies.

Aims

  • Provide students with a robust foundation of the range of methods, design and analysis in quantitative research.
  • Equip students to apply critically the knowledge of quantitative research to research in health and social care settings

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning for this unit takes place over one semester. Learning methods utilised involve e-learning via Blackboard. Methods include accessing course material online, interactive demonstrations and activities, and taking part in online discussions with students and tutors. Directed study will comprise additional exercises and specified reading related to each on line session.

Knowledge and understanding

  • Demonstrate an in-depth, critical understanding of different designs utilised in quantitative research in health and social care settings including the use of mixed methods
  • Critically evaluate appropriate sampling, data collection tools and analytic strategies used in quantitative research including strategies to minimise bias and control threats to internal and external validity
  • Critically examine a range of quantitative process and outcome measures appropriate to health and social care research

Intellectual skills

  • Critically evaluate similarities and differences between a range of quantitative research methodologies
  • Critically analyse the issues involved in evaluation of complex interventions and the utility of mixed method specific approaches in this field
  • Critically appraise a range of published quantitative research studies and utilise established frameworks to assess the rigour of design, methods and outcome.
  • Critically consider and select the most appropriate research designs,

Practical skills

  • Apply different quantitative methods to research questions, data collection and analysis
  • Utilise different types of quantitative data collection methods including process and outcome measures
  • Analyse and interpret quantitative data in an appropriate and meaningful way

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Critically reflect on their own academic performance and utilise a range of strategies to improve these and overcome any particular difficulties.
  • Further develop and enhance skills in effective communication to a range of audiences in a variety of settings.
  • Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team
  • Effectively utilise information technology / health informatics
  • Utilise skills in systematic and creative approaches to problem-solving and decision-making in relation to complex issues

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written assignment (inc essay) 100%

Feedback methods

Students will normally have the opportunity to receive feedback on formative work submitted prior to the summative assessment. Other feedback opportunities will also be available in class and online discussion boards. Online feedback is provided in Grademark. Provisional feedback based on internal marking will be made available prior to the Exam Board on the basis that these marks are yet to be ratified at the Exam Board and therefore may be subject to change. A standard feedback mechanism in Grademark is utilised across all postgraduate programmes within the School which provides detailed and constructive feedback on each component and aspect of assessment and identifies areas of strength and those aspects which could be enhanced.

Student feedback is obtained through open discussion forums on blackboard, in class discussions, via formal University unit evaluation forms and also qualitative, in house evaluations at the end of the unit. 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Tutorials 52
Independent study hours
Independent study 98

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
James Gilleen Unit coordinator

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