7HW148 Critical Awareness of Research

7HW148 – Critical Awareness of Research

Assessment of learning Outcomes 1 – 3

Produce a critical literature review based on six primary research studies on a well-focussed topic chosen by you. This should include a methodological critique of each research study included, thematic analysis of the studies’ findings and clear identification of their relevance to current health and social care practice.

4,000 words.Weighting: 100% of total marks.

To be submitted in via Canvasby 14:00hrs onFriday13^thJanuary2023

LO1 – Appraise ethical and methodological analysis of research in health and / or social care.

LO2 – Evaluate research in terms of its ontology, epistemology and contribution to an in-depth understanding of health and/or social care issues.

LO3 – Critique the applicability of research studies for a chosen area in health and / or social care and make recommendations for future research.

A critical literature review of 6 primary research studies

Marking Criteria

Introduction The chosen topic is introduced and a rationale for its selection given. The selection of topic is well focused and not too broad. 5%

The Search Strategy 6 primary research studies have been found using electronic search skills. Note – you MUST submit your 6 studies as individual PDF files along with your assignment on Canvas. A clear outline of the electronic search is given such that another person could repeat the steps in this search. The outline should include: databases used;the inclusion and exclusion criteria usedin the search (such as key terms and date range); the results of each search conducted; an account of the decision trail leading to the final choice of selected studies. Literature reviews / editorials / opinion pieces / summaries are not primary research, so mustnot included as part of your 6 studies. PDF copies of your 6 chosen studies are uploaded to Canvas. 5%

Data Management The process of analysing the studies for findings and methodological quality is indicated in the appendices by the inclusion of a grid / grids. The findings from the research studies have been synthesised & organised into themes. 10%

The Methodological Approach and Research Methods The ontological and epistemological context/s of the group of chosen research studies is defined and discussed, including the suitability of the methodological approach/es adopted in these studies to answering the research questions asked or methods used in the studies. The reviewed research studies are appraised in terms of strength of evidence: In quantitative studies their reliability and validity are critically discussed regarding some of the following: sampling, data collection, data analysis. In qualitative studies their trustworthiness and rigour are critically discussed regarding some of the following: sampling, data collection, data analysis. Ethical aspects of the research studies are critically assessed. 20%

Thematic Analysis Themes are derived from the findings of the chosen research studies ONLY.   Study findings are clearly identified and critically discussed. Each theme should be identified with a clear heading describing the content of the theme. 30%

Application to Health & Social Care The overall applicability or otherwise of your chosen research studies is critically discussed in relation to a specific field of health and social care and critically assessed regarding theircontribution to depth understanding of health and social care issues. 10%

Identifying Future Research needs in the topic area / Research Question Implications for future research are outlined coherently and gaps in current academic knowledge are clearly identified – this must come from at least one of your chosen studies. A research question for your independent study is stated coherently. The research question is designed to address an identified need for future research. 5%

Conclusion A summary of the chosen studies’ findings and their methodological strengths and weaknesses. 5%

Referencing & Presentation The chosen studies are referenced correctly throughout the assignment and included in the reference list. Harvard referencing correctly used throughout.     A good academic writing style with few typographical or grammatical errors. The work is logically organised according to the marking criteria. 10%

Appendices: Grid(s) used to demonstrate data management. This includes theidentification of the findings & methodological quality of the chosen studies and themes. A list of the 6 chosen studies is also included in the Appendices.