NURSING 1010OL - Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice

Online - Semester 1 - 2016

This course provides an introduction to a range of methodologies used in health research. An emphasis is placed on a broad appreciation of the methodologies rather than a focus on the philosophical perspectives that underpin the approaches. Key terms in research are emphasised and a beginner introduction to health statistics is given. With direction and using a structured template students are encouraged to begin critique of a range of research articles. The place of ethics in research will be complimented with discussion of research in nursing practice. The bulk of the course material will be delivered online although students will also have the opportunity for either a face to face workshop or a virtual equivalent to discuss content with peers.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code NURSING 1010OL
    Course Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Nursing School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact Small Group Discovery Experience
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Available to B.Nurs students only
    Assessment Evaluation of evidence, online quizzes, research paper critiques
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Judy Magarey

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Judy Magarey
    Phone: +61 8 8313 6055
    Fax: +61 8 8313 3594
    Email: judy.magarey@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Eleanor Harrald Building

    School Office
    Phone: +61 8 8313 3595
    Fax: +61 8 8313 3594
    Email: nursing_preregistration@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 3, Eleanor Harrald Building

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.


    Weekly Topics

    1 The nature of knowledge and the philosophical basis of research. Searching the literature.

    2 Research ethics

    3 Introduction to qualitative research methods.

    4 Data collection in qualitative research.

    5 Data analysis in qualitative research.

    6 Rigour in qualitative research

    7 Introduction to quantitative research methods

    8 Data collection in quantitative research.

    Mid-Semester Break

    Mid-Semester Break

    9 Data analysis in quantitative research

    10 Rigour in quantitative research

    11 Multiple methods evaluation and action research

    12 Critiquing research

    13 Applying research to practice
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Describe the nature of knowledge on which nursing practice is based.
    2 Discuss the ethical principles relating to research
    3 Differentiate between the philosophical basis of qualitative and quantitative research methods
    4 Distinguish between common qualitative approaches to research
    5 Explain the data collection methods and analysis in qualitative research
    6 Distinguish between common quantitative approaches to research
    7 Explain the data collection methods and analysis in quantitative research
    8 Discuss how research may be applied to nursing practice
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,3,4,7,5,6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3,4,7,5,6
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    8
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Ellis, P. 2016, Understanding Research for Nursing Students , 3rd edition, Australia, Learning Matters Ltd. Sage publications, Cornwall
    Recommended Resources
    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/nursing
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/rsd/


    Recommended texts

    Burns, N & Grove, SK 2014, Understanding Nursing
    Research Building an Evidence-Based Practice, 6th edn, Elsevier
    Saunders, St Louis.

    Note: Students are not required to buy recommended texts. However, they provide valuable
    supplementary reading on various aspects of the material covered within this
    course and students are encouraged to have a look at them.

    Rees, C. 2016 RAPID
    Research Methods for Nurses Midwives and Health Professionals, Wiley
    Blackwell, Chichester, Also available as an E-Book.  Test
    is a useful dictionary of research terms.


    Online Learning
    The course is delivered via blended learning. There will be weekly online recorded lectures or podcasts and one compulsory lecture. The online materials will be avialble on MyUni. This will include the study Guide, readings, lecture and pod casts.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    Online lectures through MyUni: The content for this course has been developed using the Research Skills Development (RSD) framework. This framework provides a scaffold approach to research skills development. There will be online lectures or podcasts for each week.

    Face to face:  There will be weekly drop in sessions.
    The course will be delivered using a blended learning approach with online lectures and podcasts as well as optional drop in sessions. 
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    It is expected that you will need to spend about 12 hours of study a week to successfully complete this course. This includes listening to the lectures or podcasts, reading, completing activities, attendance at the optional workshop and completing assessments. Thus some weeks it will be more and others less. It is recommended that you plan your time commitment to the course at the beginning of the semester.
    Learning Activities Summary
    • The Learning activities for Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice are listed below:
    Lecture and podcast series

    • The nature of knowledge and the philosophical basis of research. Searching the literature.
    • Research ethics
    • Introduction to qualitative research methods.
    • Data collection in qualitative research.
    • Data analysis in qualitative research.
    • Rigour in qualitative research
    • Introduction to quantitative research methods
    • Data collection in quantitative research.
    • Data analysis in quantitative research
    • Rigour in quantitative research
    • Multiple methods evaluation and action research
    • Critiquing research
    • Applying research to practice 
    Specific Course Requirements
    Students need to access all materials on MyUni. The material is organised into weekly modules containing the Learning Outcomes, Lectures, Readings, learning Acitivities and links for assessment such as weekly quizzes.
    Small Group Discovery Experience

    NA
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Formative assessment Quizzes 1 & 2
     

    Evaluation of evidence 375 words formative 10%


    Weekly Quizzes summative 1300 word equivalent 35%


    Discussions of a qualitative and a quantitative research paper research paper 1000 words each summative 55%
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1 Online Quizzes formative

    Evaluation of evidence (375 words) 10%
    Due Friday week 3

    Marking Guide and Rubric on MyUni

    Read the extract provided on MyUni
    in materials / week 5 and discuss the type of evidence provided by the Author.
    Use your learning from week 1 and the information in the study guide about how
    to evaluate evidence and websites to briefly evaluate credibility of the
    information. You will need to conduct a
    search regarding the subject. This activity must be referenced, but references
    are not included in the word count. Submit through MyUni. Follow the
    instructions given in this study guide.
    You need to use the literature on how to evaluate the credibility of websites
    and evidence generally to support your discussion rather than looking for
    evidence around the topic.


    Assessment 2
    Quizzes weeks 3-6
    due Friday week 6 

    Quizzes weeks 7-13 (1300 word equivalent) 35%
    Due Friday week 13
    Links on MyUni

    Assessment 3
    Discussion of a qualitative research paper (1000 words) 27.5%
    Due Friday week 8

    You are required to use the template in the folder in
    Materials week 8 and Assessment 3 to complete this activity and submit through TurnItIn. The paper is are also found
    in this folder. Total word length 1,000 words. You must conduct a comprehensive search of the appropriate, peer
    reviewed literature to support your argument and to inform your discussion. The assignment must be referenced and a reference list provided. You are not required to reference the paper being discussed. The reference list is not
    included in the word count.

    The marking guide and rubric are on MyUni.

    Assessment 4
    Discussion of a quantitative research paper (1000 words) 27.5%
    Due Friday week 13

    You are required to use the template in the folder in week 13  and Assessment 4 to complete this activity and submit through TurnItIn. The paper is also found in this folder. Total word length 1,000 words. You must conduct a comprehensive search of the appropriate, peer reviewed literature to support your argument and to inform your discussion. The assignment must be referenced and a reference list provided. You are not required to reference the paper being discussed. The reference list is not
    included in the word count.

    The marking guide and rubric are on MyUni.


    Submission
    Unless otherwise indicated all submission of assignments is to be through MyUni. TurnItin will be used to check student assignments. TurnItin will be used to check student assignments. Students MUST keep an electronic copy of all assignments submitted.

    Extensions are generally awarded for no more than 10 working days unless there are exceptional circumstances.
    To apply for an Assessment Extension, a student must submit an application for extension form prior to the assessment deadline. You will find this on the School of Nursing Website or use the link provided here.

    See the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/


    An assessment submitted via MyUni must be submitted as an acceptable file type (i.e. .doc, .docx, .rtf .ppt, .pdf). It is also important
    to submit the file such as surnamestudentid (i.e. knight1234567). MyUni stamps all the other details against the filename once the assessment is submitted. The assignment should be submitted as one file, Information on avoiding plagiarism is available at www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/plagiarism/.


    Contact the MyUni helpdesk on +61 8 8313 3335 or email servicedesk@adelaide.edu.au for
    assistance with assignment submission.

    Important note: copies of assignments should always be kept.


    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.



    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.


    Response to SELTs from 2015 semester 2

    Much of the feedback was contradictory with some comments stating the course was well organised and other stating it was poorly organised.

    There were comments regarding lack of learning outcomes which is surprising given weekly outcomes are clearly stated in the study guide are in the weekly modules and are discussed in the lectures.

    The most concerning comments related to the perception that research does not relate to nursing. It may be hard to understand at this stage in your career but research is the foundation of evidence based practice. The ability to think critically is an essential skill in providing quality safe nursing care. This is what differentiates a RN from a care worker.

    There was some feedback regarding the workload. Many changes have been made in response to this feedback.  The assessments have been changed, team based learning has been introduced and some lectures reviewed. Student feebback from semester 1 was positive.



  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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