SE785-7-SP-CO:
Musculoskeletal Research: Data collection and analysis
2023/24
Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
07 October 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
In this module you will explore theoretical and practical issues in relation to data collection and analysis with specific emphasis on research in the musculoskeletal specialism. You will acquire skills needed to plan mixed methods research and analyse data. 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.
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 virtual tutorials with the module tutor and fellow students.
This module will help you to develop rigorous data collection and analysis skills to support research in musculoskeletal medicine. You will be required to apply a rich understanding of the quantitative and qualitative paradigms and their contribution to mixed methods research.
1. Design a simple mixed methods research study informed by systematic knowledge and comprehensive understanding of research theories and principles.
2. Design appropriate qualitative and quantitative data collection tools that are compliant with appropriate ethical standards and governance requirements.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Module Content:
The module is organised into two topics,
1. Collecting Quantitative and Qualitative data. (3 weeks)
2. Analysing Qualitative and Quantitative data (6 weeks)
Each topic has a set of learning outcomes to help you focus your reading
Topic 1: 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 2: 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 quantitative data analysis software
This module is delivered entirely by e-learning. The students are expected to dedicate the equivalent of one day a week in time to this module.
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. The module is provided fully through an online 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.
The module will be supported through access to a named tutor who will monitor your progress through the on line programme and provide support as necessary.
The module will require a minimum of one day per week for study.
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Aveyard, H. (2023)
Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide. Fifth edition. London: Open University Press. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/2344344.
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Aveyard, H. and Sharp, P. (2017)
A Beginner’s Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Health and Social Care. 3rd edn. London, UK: Open University Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6212202.
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Aveyard, H., Sharp, P. and Woolliams, M. (2015)
A beginner’s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. Second edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/339527.
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Greenhalgh, T. (2019)
How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine and healthcare. Sixth edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2098134.
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Becker, S., Bryman, A. and Ferguson, H. (2012)
Understanding research for social policy and social work: themes, methods and approaches. Second edition. Bristol: Policy Press. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1573415.
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Thomas, D.R. and Hodges, I.D. (2010)
Designing and managing your research project: core skills for social and health researchers. London: SAGE. Available at:
https://methods-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/book/designing-and-managing-your-research-project.
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Saks, M. and Allsop, J. (eds) (2019)
Researching Health: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods. 3rd edn. London, UK: SAGE. Available at:
https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/402795.
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Bruce, N., Pope, D. and Stanistreet, D. (2018)
Quantitative methods for health research: a practical interactive guide to epidemiology and statistics. Second edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Available at:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118665374.
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Plano Clark, V.L. and Ivankova, N.V. (2016)
Mixed methods research: a guide to the field. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Available at:
https://methods-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/book/mixed-methods-research-a-guide-to-the-field.
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 |
Assignment 1 - Mixed Methods Research Design |
|
70% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 - Data Analysis |
|
30% |
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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Sue Innes, email: inness@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Sue Innes, Dr Bernard Liew
inness@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Mr Myles Butler
Sheffield Hallam University
Senior Lecturer Team Lead
Available via Moodle
Of 3 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
3 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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