ILM0420 - EXPLOITING RESEARCH INFORMATION

Module Identifier

ILM0420

Module Title

EXPLOITING RESEARCH INFORMATION

Academic Year

2005/2006

Co-ordinator

Dr Christine J Urquhart

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Course delivery

Seminars / Tutorials

Tutorial support is made available at the start of the module to introduce students to open learning principles. Tutorial support is arranged as appropriate.

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Report ( 2,000 - 2,500 words equivalent)	50%
Semester Assessment	Report ( 2,000 - 2,500 words equivalent)	50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

explain how research information is stored and retrieved, using various types of databases in the health sector as examples of `evidence-based? research presentation for a variety of audiences

describe and appraise some of the sources of evidence based information

explain how statistical evidence is presented and discuss the implications of presentation format

discuss how qualitative and quantitative evidence may be appraised

apply skills of critical appraisal

propose a strategy to ensure that knowledge and evidence is shared within an organisation and its clientele, and that any appropriate changes are made when new evidence becomes available

Content

Unit 1 discusses the scientific method, the process of generation of the research evidence in a knowledge base and the role of consensus in deciding how and where research is published. Unit 2 discusses the format of research evidence in various databases, and how such databases are searched. Unit 3 covers critical appraisal skills required for selecting and using the evidence. Unit 4 discusses how to implement a culture which values an evidence-based approach to practice, and how to achieve awareness and acceptance of research information in the process of implementing research findings. Unit 5 discusses the presentation of the research evidence, demonstrating how changing the way in which statistics on risk are presented can affect our attitudes to whether the evidence is compelling or not. Unit 6 examines some possible future directions to information systems research and `evidence-based practice¿ for information professionals.

Module Skills

Problem_solving	Thinking how a problem should be formulated. Matching an appropriate research design to a problem
Research skills	Comparing different research designs. Awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of various common features of research databases
Communication	Presentation of a strategy which will help the implementation of research into practice. Awareness of some pitfalls in presenting information on risk.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Integral to the scheme through independent learning in the distance learning scheme, and open learning during full-time study.
Team work	Awareness of the importance of influence, and team working to develop a strategy to `get research into practice,
Information Technology	Awareness of the way research databases are constructed for retrieval of the information contained.
Application of Number	Explanation of the reasons why attitudes towards risks depend on how the statistics are presented.
Personal Development and Career planning	Integral to module, which supports evidence practice and critical thinking among information professionals.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Bryman, Alan (2004.) Social research methods /Alan Bryman. 0199264465
Bryman, Alan. (2004.) Social research methods /Alan Bryman. 0199264465 (pbk) :

Web Page/Sites
http://www.shef.ac.uk/~scharr/ir/core.htm
http://www.campbell.org/
http://www.cochrane.org/
http://www.evidencenetwork.org/home.asp

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7