The aim of the unit is to develop your analytic skills in the context of evidence-based practice. Having completed the unit you will be able to identify and explicitly define a problem arising from your professional practice, construct an effective search strategy in relation to the problem identified, use appropriate tools for the critical appraisal of evidence and finally present a critical evaluation of the literature in relation to the problem identified.

This is a core unit of the BSc (Hons) Professional Practice course, but can also be taken as a CPD unit on a standalone basis.

The unit will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, discussions, student group work and student managed learning.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Critically appraise and contrast the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods

2. Identify and explicitly define a problem arising from their professional practice

3. Construct an effective search strategy in relation to the problem identified

4. Utilising appropriate tools(s) for critical appraisal of evidence, present a critical evaluation of the literature in relation to the problem identified.

Assessment

ILO 1 will be assessed by critical appraisal of a quantitative research article (1000 words) 50% 

ILOs 2-4 will be assessed by students identifying an issue from professional practice, implementing a literature review, and choosing one qualitative paper to present to fellow students. The presentation will be a group presentation and last 20 minutes (2000 word equivalent). 50%