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Postgraduate Module Descriptors 2012/13
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NSS403: Research for Professional Practice

Module Title Research for Professional Practice
Module Code NSS403
Module Tutor Michelle Huws-Thomas
School Natural and Social Sciences
CAT Points 15
Level of Study 7
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Restrictions Cannot be counted with RM499(BPY), RM499(OPY), FPY499 or NSS404
Brief Description

The use of evidence-based practice (EBP) is increasingly influencing the practice of many applied social science disciplines.  EBP involves a process of decision-making that integrates research evidence, assessments of effectiveness, practitioner expertise and judgment and a critical evaluation of the best available research evidence involving service user/organisation/stake holder/or employer perspectives. It is about using the best available external evidence from systematic research in order to reach decisions for one’s own specific circumstances.

Students will become familiar with qualitative and quantitative methodologies, descriptive and inferential statistics, and systematic reviews.  Particular attention will be afforded to the ability to critically appraise and synthesize high quality research in peer reviewed journals.

Indicative Syllabus
  1. Conducting a Systematic Review.
  2. Efficacy vs. effectiveness in EBP and interventions.
  3. Reflection of the ‘debilitating dichotomies’ in EBP (e.g. measurement vs. intuition; ‘top down’ vs. ’bottom up’),
  4. Trial methodology.
  5. Outcome measures.
  6. Descriptive Statistics and Non Parametric Tests.
  7. Decision Making.
  8. Stakeholder/organization/service user/employer preferences, values and collaboration.
  9. Effectiveness of interventions within specialist fields.
  10. Client assessment and formulation within own specialist discipline
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, the student should be able to:

  1. Appraise and synthesize high quality research;
  2. Conduct and analyse appropriate statistical analyses;
  3. Integrate research evidence to engage in evidence-based decision-making with service users;
  4. Critique empirically based interventions within specialist fields;
  5. Undertake decision analytic techniques to ensure best intervention options for the stakeholder/organisation/service user;
  6. Undertake client assessments within their specialist discipline.
Learning and Teaching Activities Scheduled Contact Hours: 36
Independent Learning Hours: 114
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) 001: 50% Coursework: Individual, portfolio: 2000 word equivalent
002: 50% Coursework: Individual, presentation: 30 minutes
Special Assessment Requirements
Indicative Resources

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

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Please note the course resources in this website are archived versions from previous years.

Course resources for the current years of entry are available to staff and students on Infonet.

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Course resources prior to 2012/13 can still be found in the original Maps and Descriptors Archive.

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