Module Directory

In this module you will explore theoretical and practical issues in relation to the research process, with specific emphasis on research in the musculoskeletal specialism. You will develop the ability to understand and use relevant research literature, and acquire the skills you need to plan and carry out your own research. A defining feature of the module is that the research principles that are encountered will constantly be applied to real musculoskeletal clinical settings.

The majority of the resources you will need, and the learning activities you will undertake will be delivered online via 'Moodle'; this is essentially a way of providing a structured set of web pages, associated resources and tools for discussion - see the separate Student Guide to Using Moodle that you have been provided with for full details.

As most students are in full-time employment and located some distance to the university, this module enables remote study using e-learning technology, (Moodle). For your study on this module you will be drawing on printed material, a variety of web resources including video clips, and data analysis software. You will also engage in on line discussions with fellow students.

For each topic, you will be asked to discuss your thoughts on specific issues with the other students. In addition to the on line discussions, you will be asked to complete some activities individually in your 'workbooks'.

The aim of this module is:

• To develop rigorous critical appraisal skills to support research in musculoskeletal medicine. 


• To apply a rich understanding of research in order to develop data collection tools and undertake data analysis.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Explain, critically appraise and evaluate a range of research methods that are commonly used in musculoskeletal research and apply these to your professional discipline, and evaluate the impact of using research to support policy and practice.


2. Synthesise a body of evidence: integrating an assessment of quality with an appraisal of findings; drawing detailed, nuanced, well considered conclusions; and applying research findings to specific contextual issues for evidence based practice within your own professional discipline.


3. Design appropriate research tools developing existing strategies and frameworks to collect qualitative and quantitative data and effectively utilise software to carry out either quantitative data or qualitative data analysis.


4. Design a simple research study defining your research question and choosing appropriate methods and study groups, which is compliant to appropriate ethical standards and governance requirements.


5. Effectively utilise software to carry out either quantitative data or qualitative data analysis, justifying decisions and creating appropriate output/frameworks and generating conclusions commensurate with the data.


6. Present work in a professional manner, competently expressed and edited and using language appropriate to the musculoskeletal professional discipline and required ethical standards. Use appropriate citation and referencing protocols ensuring that evidence presented is proportionate to the strength of claims made.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Teaching & learning support for the Module


• Literature searching


• Research and Practice in the NHS


• Hierarchy of Research


• Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods Theory & Methodologies


• Quantitative & Qualitative Techniques


• Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews


• Critical Appraisal Skills, Tools and Frameworks


• Literature review methodology


• Synthesis and application of research findings


• Critical Appraisal of selected literature

The module is organised into four topics:

1. Key Aspects in Research in Practice (5 weeks)


2. Critical Appraisal. (5 weeks)


3. Collecting Quantitative and Qualitative data. (4 weeks)


4. Analysing Qualitative and Quantitative data (6 weeks)

Each topic has a set of learning outcomes to help you focus your reading

Topic 1: Evidence Based Practice and Research Basics

• To understand the connection between research and practice in musculoskeletal medicine


• To evaluate the range of ethical issues associated with research in practice settings


• To acquire insight into the role of service users in research


• To obtain a critical understanding of the hierarchy of research and the problems associated with it


• To understand the difference between quantitative research and qualitative research and their epistemological underpinnings


• To understand how quantitative and qualitative research can be combined into a mixed methods study

Topic 2: Critical Appraisal

• To be able to describe the principles of critical appraisal


• To understand the purpose of critical appraisal


• To be able to critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research, in terms of validity and reliability


• To be able to conduct a structured, systematic search of the literature

Topic 3: Collecting Data for Quantitative and Qualitative Research

• To understand how to construct and use questionnaires


• To know how to plan and carry out interviews (including focus groups)

Topic 4: Analysing Qualitative and Quantitative Data

• To know how to analyse qualitative data using qualitative data analysis software


• To know how to undertake quantitative data analysis using SPSS and to understand how to interpret SPSS output

Teaching strategies will include:

This module is delivered by e-learning (Moodle directed learning supported by optional Zoom meetings). Students are expected to dedicate the equivalent of one day a week in time to this module. Monitoring of on-line discussion forums by the module lead will take place each week.

This module provides the opportunity to develop on line learning skills in a supported environment, as it is recognised that students are not equally fluent in using social media and online research methods. E-learning is more than just creating a repository of materials for easy access, creating a site for learning or simply using technology to process information. Rather e-learning embraces a social dimension, new developments in learning theory and a new set of practical skills. Values and theories underpinning the development of this module are drawn from a combined theory of 'multi-modalities' and a 'discourse view of learning' developed by Haythornethwaite & Andrews (2011).

The module material is provided through an on line learning platform utilising a variety of on line teaching and learning methods to suit a range of student knowledge and competencies in both research and on line learning. The initial activities will be highly structured thus supporting confidence and competence in using on line media, with increasing opportunities for you to manage, contribute and structure your engagement with the materials as the module progresses.