Conducting Small Scale Research in Medical Education (P00984)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P00984

This course will establish the skill base required to complete the individual course assignments and to prepare for the masters dissertation.

The significance of small scale research is that it is within the capability of most educators, and is often the driving force behind the personal and professional development of teachers. By completing this module, the participants will be able to engage with the fundamental principles of research, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques, but divorced from the pressure of funding applications, complex planning and project management of large-scale research events. In essence it is a more sophisticated form of 'reflective-practice' and the results may lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals.

More specifically, the course will consider:
- Identifying actions and beginning to frame a research question, which may include: a teaching activity, an assessment, course audit, creating a negotiated learning contract, developing course evaluation instruments, or, an Incident Analysis of medical education related to the student's own professional practice
- Literature review (2/3 key papers) both as a critical review of methodology and as an introduction to educational research
- Gathering evidence: using qualitative or quantitative techniques
- An introduction to Qualitative Methodology
- An introduction to basic statistics
- Analysis and presentation of results
- Reflection, conclusions, choices of outcome and commitment to action

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Medical Education, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 9 hour(s) per week for 4 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module the student should be able to apply the principles of small scale research, or rigorous reflective practice, to evaluate their own professional actions in medical education and develop the quality of their work.

Assessment Information

The course will be assessed by one piece of coursework. This will amount to 100% of the assessment. The participants will conduct a short case study in educational research. This may be done as a collaborative group. The topic will be given by the tutor, and will include some qualitative and quantitative analysis.