HS908-7-PT-CO:
Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

The details
2024/25
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring Special
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
19 March 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MRESB99012 Health Research,
MRESB99024 Health Research,
MSC B906MO Advanced Clinical Practice,
MSC B90536 Professional Practice (Health Care),
MSC A4A2AL Periodontology Science and Practice,
DOCTB90460 Health Care Education,
DOCTB90060 Health Service Management,
DOCTB74060 Nursing,
DOCTB93060 Occupational Therapy,
DOCTB71260 Public Health (Health Visiting),
DOCTL59260 Social Care Education,
DOCTL59060 Social Services Management,
DOCTB62060 Speech and Language Therapy

Module description

Evidence based practice is an essential component of responsive and responsible health policy, strategy, leadership, service provision and coordination of action for health. To scrutinise the knowledge that informs and guides practice, the practitioner needs to be research-literate. This module explores the different ways in which data can be collected, analysed and interpreted so that students become more confident in carrying out these activities themselves, as well as increasing their ability to critique the research carried out by others.


In particular, students will be able to reflect on the most suitable research methods for their particular research question, understanding that the data collected has implications for the analysis that can be carried out and the types of question that can be answered.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide students with a range of techniques for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. It combines a theoretical with a practical approach to enable students to fully understand the collection and analysis process so that they are able to make informed decisions when designing and carrying out research.

Module learning outcomes

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



  1. Debate the use of particular research methods in response to specific research questions.

  2. Design and develop data collection instruments and critically reflect on their value and suitably.

  3. Identify and debate the ethical implications of research.

  4. Explain and carry out a range of data analysis using appropriate computer software.

  5. Interpret the findings of statistical and qualitative analysis and relate this to their field.

Module information

This module introduces students to the differences between and similarities in quantitative and qualitative research, and how they complement each other. The module first focuses on quantitative methods, including research designs, the importance of research ethics, and the design of questionnaires. There will be a combination of lectures and workshops, during which a range of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis techniques are introduced using R, an open-source statistical software package that is free to use. It then moves on to approaches to qualitative data collection and analysis. There will be a lab session introducing NVivo, a commonly used software package for qualitative data analysis. The qualitative data analysis lab sessions will be held in parallel; students only need to attend one session of their choice on campus.


Learning and teaching methods

The module will be delivered via:

  • Lectures
  • Computer lab sessions

supported by Moodle. Moodle hosts extra readings, copies of slides, and other material. The assessment task includes piloting your own material which should be developed for formative assessment. Tutorials are scheduled to complement this process.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   3,000 word assignment    100% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr ZhiMin Xiao, email: zhimin.xiao@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Caroline Barratt
ZhiMin Xiao E: barrattc@essex.ac.uk cpdshortcourses@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Elaine Lehane
University College Cork
Senior Lecturer
Dr Kate Parkinson
University of Salford
Subject Leader, Health and Social Care
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.