Methodology

and Research for

Effective
Practice
ASSESSMENT PREPARATION
FIONA COUPAR – MODULE LEADER
Assessment Information: Key points

 Refer to assignment briefing on module site

 Critical appraisal (essay format) 80%
 MCQ Test 20%
 Minimum 35% in each component
 MCQ Test: Week 12

 Unseen class test on GCU Learn

 30 questions
 Timed – 40 minutes from start
 Preparation

 Tutorial classes - Review material on GCU Learn

 Formative MCQs
 Any difficulties contact module leader
 Critical appraisal

 Guidance on preparation of essay is within module site in assignment briefing

 Submission date: Tuesday18th January @12pm

• One electronic copy via Turnitin
• 2500 word count
• Rubric and marking guides also available

 Two papers to complete critical appraisal – one quantitative and one qualitative
(50 marks each). Both must be completed.
 Structure of assignment

 Introduction (5 marks)
 Main body – critical appraisal of the research process (35 marks)
 Conclusion (5 marks)

This structure should be used for both papers. Academic writing style will
be allocated 5 marks per paper.
 Guidance - Introduction

 Briefly introduce the study

 State which critical appraisal tool using as guide
 Justify why critical appraisal tool chosen
 Guidance – Main body

Main body of essay In the form of critical appraisal

Consider aspects of the research process

Quantitative paper
 Introduction and literature review

Consider: Is the reason for the research clearly outlined? Has

appropriate literature been considered? Is the research question clear?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)
Methods
Consider:
 What study design was used? Was this appropriate? Why/Why not?
 Random allocation? Why is this important? How was this done? Was this appropriate?
 Allocation concealment? Why is this important?
 Blinding – Were participants/health workers blinded? Why is this important?
 Sampling – What sampling method was used? Was this appropriate? Impact of sampling method
 Participants – Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria?
 Intervention – Was the intervention well described? why is this important?
 Outcomes - Are any details given of the reliability/validity of outcome measures? Why is this important? What
was the follow-up? Was this appropriate? Was the outcome assessor blinded – why is this important?
 Data analysis – Were all participants accounted for (intention to treat analysis?)Why is this important? Was data
analysis appropriate? How were results presented?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)
Results
Consider
 How were results presented?
 Were participants comparable at baseline? Why should this be
considered?
 What were the main results? Significant results?
 Were any adverse events reported?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)
Discussion and conclusion sections
Consider:
 Were the findings of the study placed in context?
 Were appropriate conclusions drawn?
 Were strengths/weaknesses acknowledged – were these
appropriate?
 Critical appraisal – Qualitative paper

Introduction and literature review

Consider:
 Is the reason for the research clearly outlined?
 Has appropriate literature been considered?
 Are the research aims clear?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)

Methods
Consider:
 Was a qualitative approach appropriate? Why/Why not?
 What method was used? Was this appropriate? Why/Why not?
 Sampling – What sampling method was used? Was this appropriate? Impact of
sampling method
 Participants – Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria? Appropriate to meet research aims?
 Outcomes - How was data collected? Was this appropriate, why/why not?
 Data analysis – How was the data analysed? Was this appropriate?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)
Results
Consider:
 How were results presented?
 What were the main results?
 Was data presented to support findings?
 Critical appraisal (cont’d)
Discussion and conclusion
Consider:
 Were the findings of this study placed in context with
other literature?
 Were strengths/limitations acknowledged?
 Were appropriate conclusions drawn?
 Critical appraisal

Ethical issues – both papers

Consider:
What ethical issues are addressed in the paper?
 Guidance - Conclusion section

 Briefly reiterate the main findings of the study

 Main points of critical appraisal – strengths/limitations
of paper
 Implications for practice/research
 Preparation

 Padlet can be used to post questions

 Discussion on assignment will take place during tutorial time
 Access a width and depth of research references and use these within your assignment.
 Limit description and ensure that you focus on critical appraisal
 Read citation guide – ensure you don’t incur a penalty for poor referencing
 Proof read work
 Feedback will be normally be available 3 weeks after submission
 Good luck!