James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

NS5201 - Research Design: Theory and Application

Subject Description

This subject is designed to assist the student in developing knowledge specific to nursing and midwifery applied research and clinical practice. Research designs used in the disciplines of nursing and midwifery will be examined. Students will apply their professional knowledge to construct a focussed research question relevant to their nursing or midwifery practice, develop research aims and undertake a systematic literature search. The principles of ethical research in nursing and midwifery will be discussed. Person/woman centred methods of data collection/generation and analysis will be identified and applied through the development of a research proposal that aligns with the philosophy of nursing/midwifery and addresses their focussed research question. Finally, professional avenues for the dissemination of research results will be explored.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify a contextually relevant area of research interest and using targeted keywords, databases and delimiters, develop an in-depth literature search plan
• Critically appraise at an advanced level selected peer reviewed journal articles highly relevant to nursing and midwifery that addresses the identified research interest
• Synthesise the contemporary research literature to develop a focused research question to solve a complex problem
• Examine ethical considerations required when conducting research with human participants
• Design a detailed research proposal, relevant to the student's context of practice, that explicitly addresses the focussed research question

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Proposal - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: complete and submit all assessment items; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  NS5335

Availabilities