NUR027-2/APP048 Exploring Evidence
NUR027-2/APP048 Exploring Evidence Assignment – UK
Assessment – Critical Appraisal
Weight : 100%
Word Count : 3000
Learning outcomes : 1) Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding: Analyse the relationship between theory, methodology and methods in health care research and discuss how research nurtures new nursing knowledge, develops the profession and informs evidence-based nursing practice
2) Demonstrate the following skills and abilities Articulate clear research questions, critically review literature appraising sources of evidence for nursing practice and recognising ethical practice and study limitations.
NUR027-2/APP048 Exploring Evidence
What am I required to do in this assignment?
Produce a 3,000-word critical appraisal of one piece of research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method). There will be a choice of three research papers which broadly cover all fields; adult, mental health and children’s nursing, allowing you the opportunity to make a choice, based on your field of study and interest. The research papers will be made available to all students at the beginning of the semester during the unit launch.
NUR027-2/APP048 Exploring Evidence
What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)
The critical appraisal should be structured as follows:
Part 1. Introduction/background (approx. 400)
This should include the context of the topic/research including an account of the rationale underpinning the study.
Part 2. Ethics and sampling – (approx. 500)
Provide a critical account of ethical approval processes, including all ethical considerations made in the research paper, including the sample size and the sampling technique used in the study.
Part 3. Data Collection – (approx. 500)
Provide a critical account of the methodology used in the study, including data gathering. Include an analysis of the strengths/weaknesses/limitations of the methods or methodologies named.
Part 4. Data analysis – (approx. 500)
Provide a critical account of the data analysis used in the study. Consider the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of the evidence including the validity, reliability, trustworthiness, and rigour of the analytic strategy.
Part 5. Findings (approx. 500)
Summarise the key findings from the research articles. What did the studies demonstrate? Are these valuable articles? Are there any aspects of the studies that warrant further research?
Part 6. Application to Practice (approx. 500)
Consider the value of the selected study; how might you use the findings to change practice and enhance patient-centred care. If the study does not have value here, critically discuss why this is.
Briefly discuss any actual examples from clinical practice that demonstrate the findings in the research analysed. Are there any barriers to implementation of research based evidence that you may have seen?
Part 7. Conclusion (approx. 100)
Summarise the main themes of the appraisal findings.
NUR027-2/APP048 Exploring Evidence
Other: Accurately cite a range of relevant academic sources both within your work and in the reference list. Achieve a minimum of 40% for the assessment as a whole
Appendices: Appendices are not included in the 3,000 word count and are a useful way of including information that you use in your assignment and may want to refer to from the body of your assignment. We recommend, however, that you do not put in your appendices content such as critical thinking, literature reviews etc. as that should be in the body of your assignment.
How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?
We will further discuss this in class.
The learning outcomes above should inform your preparation for this assessment. In order to produce high quality work in this unit, you should ensure that you follow the guidelines set out above
How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?
All elements of this assignment will be covered in the unit sessions and guided learning activities.
During the unit sessions we will be undertaking a range of activities and exercises which will introduce you to the various aspects of, and terminology associated with basic quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research approaches. The activities will support understanding of the research process, and in particular, how to critically appraise the evidence upon which your practice, and professional accountability is based.
How will my assignment be marked?
Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page. You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.