NMHS43750 Advanced Research Methods for the Healthcare Professional Assessment 2026 | UCD
| University | University College Dublin (UCD) |
| Subject | NMHS43750 Advanced Research Methods for the Healthcare Professional |
NMHS43750 Assessment 2026
This assessment must comply with the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems (SNMHS) Students Guidelines for submission of Written Assignments, Student Guide for Effective Academic Writing, Academic Integrity Policy and the UCD Library Harvard Referencing
Students must not use generative AI in assignment writing. Students are ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of their assignments and must adhere to UCD Academic Integrity policy.
Disability disclosure statement: If you have a registered disability with UCD ALL, please indicate this and any specific accommodations in your submission on Brightspace or at the top of your Discussion assignment so that we can ensure all appropriate accommodations are provided.
NMHS43750 Advanced Research Methods for the Healthcare Professional 2025-26 Assessment Guidelines
Module Assessment
This 10-credit module is delivered over one trimester (Spring 2026) and is assessed via three components which combine to provide an overall module grade.
- Completion of peer-review exercise (5%)
- Completion of a research protocol poster assignment (55%)
- Completion of a critical appraisal assignment (40%)
Assignment Submission Dates
- Uploaded protocol draft due for submission via peerScholar (link through Brightspace) by 5pm on 3rd March 2026. Four peer-reviews are to be completed by 5pm on March 14th
Please note: only those who upload a draft of their own research protocol by March 3rd 2026 will be able to complete the peer-review. Completion of both steps is required to receive 5% of module grade.
- Research protocol poster and discussion/reflection (or presentation) due April 25th by 5pm.
- Critical appraisal assignment is due May 2nd by 5pm.
Both assignments (research protocol and critical appraisal) should be uploaded via Brightspace.
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Assignment Instructions
1. Draft protocol and Peer-Review Exercise
This exercise requires you to anonymously upload your own draft protocol and to peer-review four (4) of your fellow students’ draft research protocols (randomly assigned and anonymously). Throughout the course, you will be provided with a worksheet and tutorials to assist you in developing your research protocol. Before it is final, you will have the opportunity to receive feedback from four of your peers on your work, and to learn from the work of others (please see related instructions on using peerScholar).
After you have uploaded your draft protocol (on or before 5pm on March 3rd), you will be randomly assigned four (4) of your peers’ draft protocols to review anonymously. A rubric with helpful considerations for peer-review will be provided on peerScholar to assist you in providing feedback to others. The purpose of this assignment is to develop your own critical appraisal skills in research, improve research communication, and to give you feedback to enhance your own research protocol.
To complete the assignment, please use the instructions below:
- Upload a draft of your research protocol (500-600 words) by March 3rd via peerScholar website (link will be available on assessment tab in Brightspace).
This should include headings:
- Research Problem
- Research Question and Paradigm
- Research Design
- Methods and Tools
This can be in all text format. It does not have to include any of the graphics, colours or styling that you are expected to submit with the full Research Poster Protocol. It is expected that some references will be included at this stage.
- Complete four (4) anonymous peer assessments to provide feedback, between March 5th and March 14th, on peerScholar platform (step by step guidance document will be available on Brightspace to walk you through this process).
- Use the peer-assessment rubric and guide to support your reviews
- For each review, you will be guided through three topics and add an additional 100 word comment in order for the review be considered as complete
- You will receive 5% of your module grade for uploading your own draft and completing the required peer reviews.
- Feedback to peers is anonymous, but lectures can view who provides feedback to whom.
- Incorporate your own individual peer feedback into research protocol revisions
The peer-assessments you receive should be used to improve your own individual research protocol for your final assignment. These will be released a few days after the peer review process closes.
2. Research Protocol Poster and Reflection/Discussion (or recorded presentation):
This assignment requires you to work through the instructions below to identify a research problem, develop an appropriate research question and study design to address the question, and outline the considerations regarding the practicalities and conduct of the proposed study. (Note: For clarity, you do not have to undertake this research or collect any data. Rather, this activity is related to the effective planning and design of a potential research study only).
The poster /presentation should describe either a quantitative or qualitative research study. We advise against using mixed methods approaches or planning a systematic review given the word limitations of this assignment.
You are asked to develop a poster (~1000-1200 words) or recorded presentation detailing your research protocol (5mins), which includes use of visuals, including graphics and images, and font/colour styling. Further guidance on poster development is provided on Brightspace. In addition to the research plan, you are asked to provide a short discussion on the epistemology/philosophy that guided your approach, as well as considerations related to ethical issues inherent in the research, public/patient involvement (PPI) and plans to promote knowledge translation (1000-1200 words). If choosing to submit this assignment as a recorded presentation, this discussion should be part of the main video and should include the same headings/points of discussion (additional 5mins) The recommended headings/discussion points for the assignment and indicative word counts/lengths per section are as follows:
- Research problem/background (250-300 words / 1 min)
Identify a research problem, using literature to support why this is an important gap to address.
- Research question and statement of epistemology/paradigm (100-200 words / 1 min)
State your research question using an appropriate structure and state the epistemology/philosophy that underpins your approach.
- Research design/Methodology (250-300 words / 1.5mins)
Put forth a specific methodological approach that can be used to answer your research question. Provide a rationale for this approach, using evidence to support your decision.
- Methods and Tools (300-400 words / 1.5 mins)
Provide a plan for how you would collect data within the methodology you have proposed including: participants, sampling methods, and data collection tools.
Comment on the practicalities and considerations required to successfully carry out this planned project, including – access, time, skill sets/capabilities, resources etc.
Your poster/recorded presentation should also include your name and affiliation, and references. Please adhere the referencing guidelines on Brightspace. The poster /presentation should make appropriate use of graphics and visuals and utilise styling through fonts and colours.
In a separate document (or included in the same recorded presentation), complete a reflection and short discussion using the following discussion points:
- Epistemological considerations (150-200 words / 1 min)
Consistent with your research question, describe the appropriate research philosophy (paradigm) you will adopt and outline how this fits with your question.
- Ethics and Public and Patient Involvement (150-200 words / 1 min)
Discuss the ethical implications of your proposed research. Propose steps you would take to ensure appropriate ethical conduct of this work.
Comment on areas and practicalities for PPI within your proposed research and discuss how PPI might influence your research.
- Knowledge Translation (200-250 words / 1 min)
Discuss who the potential stakeholder(s) of your research are and provide a knowledge translation idea to target each stakeholder.
- Critical Appraisal Guidance (200-250 words / 1 min)
Based on Topic 6 within the module, identify (by providing the full title of the tool) the appropriate CASP tool that, once your research is completed, another reviewer would use to critically appraise your work (note: do not apply the tool, just identify an appropriate tool).
Comment on and highlight any potential limitations to your proposed research.
- Peer Appraisal Reflection (200-300 words / 1 min)
Discuss how you incorporated the peer-assessment feedback into your final research protocol. Comment on the utility of the peer-assessment process within research.
Please note, the minimum word count for the discussion/commentary should be 1,000 words and maximum 1,200 words (min 4mins, max 6mins). Please adhere the referencing guidelines on Brightspace.
3. Critical Appraisal
This assignment requires you to work through the instructions below to describe the key considerations in the critical appraisal of research, and to apply a critical appraisal tool to one paper. Two research articles are available to select from for this assessment. Select one to critically appraise for this assignment (references for papers available at end of this document). Details of how this assignment will be assessed are also included at the end of this document.
The recommended headings for the assignment and indicative word counts per section are as follows:
- Key considerations in critical appraisal of research (500-600 words)
Describe the key considerations when critiquing i) systematic review articles, ii) quantitative articles and iii) qualitative articles.
Discuss these considerations in the context of the relevant research philosophies (epistemologies) and paradigms.
- Application of CASP tool (up to 200 words; excluding appraisal tool from word count)
State which article you are selecting to appraise (from the three options provided) and state the most appropriate tool for critiquing this article. Discuss your rationale in choosing the tool.
Apply the selected tool to critically appraise your article (include the completed tool which shows how you have appraised across all relevant domains).
Provide a summary of key findings from the research article, identifying the key findings which address the specific research questions (key statistic, p-value and confidence interval OR main themes or patterns)
- Appraisal and comment (800-1000 words)
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the article, comment on the overall quality of the article and its application to clinical practice.
Please note, the minimum word count should be 1,500 and maximum 1,800 words. Please adhere the referencing guidelines on Brightspace (Harvard referencing guide).
References for papers to use in assignment (select one of these papers to appraise):
- Rodrigues, S., Silva, P., Rocha, F., Monterroso, L., Silva, J.N., de Sousa, N.Q. and Escuriet, R., 2023. Perineal massage and warm compresses–Randomised controlled trial for reduce perineal trauma during labor. Midwifery, 124, p.103763. https://go.exlibris.link/qzT6q1Zb
- Lund, M., Sundler, A.J. and Carlsson Lalloo, E., 2024. Healthcare Experiences and Needs of Older Adults Living With HIV: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Clinical Nursing. https://go.exlibris.link/3bxfPnHP
Research Methods Applied to Healthcare NMHS43750
Assessment Rubric Research Protocol (poster and discussion) Assignment
| proble
☐ ☐ ☐ |
Background to the topic and identification of
m Background, topic and problem are not well described in a way which conveys relevance to the question for nursing/midwifery practice and or knowledge The background, topic and problem are described well but the connection between the literature and the research problem is not well drawn out You have described the background to the topic and problem well by outlining how the resultant research problem is relevant to nursing/midwifery practice and/or knowledge |
☐
☐
|
Framing the research question and identifying an appropriate epistemology
The essential PICOT/PECOT/PST elements of the question are not evident in this question, you are missing one or more of the critical elements or have not identified an appropriate epistemology. You have clearly identified the essential PICOT/PECOT/PST elements of the question and have described an appropriate epistemology |
|
| Conn
☐ ☐ ☐ |
ecting the RQ with the research design You have not clearly discussed and reflected upon the correspondence between the research question type and the research design and not compared this effectively with potential alternatives.
You have mentioned but not reflected upon the correspondence between the research question type and the research and only partly compared this effectively with potential alternatives. You have mentioned and reflected upon the correspondence between the research question type and the research design chosen and have compared potential alternatives clearly. |
Rese
☐ ☐ ☐ |
arch Plan and Conduct
You have not provided a plan for how you will collect the data relative to participants, sampling methods and data collection tools. You have partially applied an appropriate plan for how you will collect the data relative to participants, sampling methods and data collection tools but there are omissions. You have selected and applied an appropriate plan for how you will collect the data relative to participants, sampling methods and data collection tools |
|
| Research Practicalities (Ethics, PPI, and KT)
☐ You have not described the relevant considerations ☐ You have only partially described the relevant considerations ☐ You have described a comprehensive overview of the relevant considerations to successfully plan and carry out this study. |
Peer
☐ ☐ |
Assessment and Appraisal
You have not provided the appropriate CASP tool, and did not thoroughly discuss the peer assessment process and how it related to your work You have identified the correct CASP tool and partially discussed the importance of critical appraisal, and your own assessment process |
||
| ☐ | You have identified the correct CASP tool, and have comprehensively discussed the importance of critical appraisal and your own assessment process | |||
| Use o
☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ |
f language, references and structuring Your essay has too many spelling, grammar or punctuation errors
In some passages, your writing makes the meaning unclear or difficult to follow Your meaning is clear, but your language is too colloquial Make sure you stick to correct citation conventions Your writing style is fluent, clear and the tone is appropriate, and you have adhered to the correct citation conventions |
Visu
☐ ☐ ☐ |
als and Appearance of poster
You did not make use of graphics/visuals and/or colour within the poster You utilised appealing colour and fonts within the poster, but did not make use of other graphics such as tables/charts and images. Your poster was very visually appealing, and had supporting graphics (tables/charts and/or images) |
|
Advanced Research Methods for the Healthcare Professional
NMHS 43750 Assessment rubric for Critical Appraisal Assignment
| Introduction: Key considerations in critical appraisal
☐ The key considerations in critical appraisal of quantitative, qualitative and/or systematic reviewing are incomplete and insufficiently addressed. ☐ The key considerations in critical appraisal of quantitative, qualitative and/or systematic reviewing are not well described or lacking discussion of some relevant considerations. ☐ The key considerations in critical appraisal of quantitative, qualitative and/or systematic reviewing and problem are described appropriately and well. |
Introduction: Discussion of relevant epistemologies
☐ You have not discussed these considerations in the context of the relevant research philosophies (epistemologies) and paradigms. ☐ You have only partially discussed these considerations in the context of the relevant research philosophies (epistemologies) and paradigms. ☐ You have clearly discussed these considerations in the context of the relevant research philosophies (epistemologies) and paradigms. |
| Application: Use of an appropriate structured appraisal tool
☐ You have not selected and applied an appropriate critical appraisal tool to guide your structured appraisal. ☐ You have selected and applied an appropriate critical appraisal tool to guide your structured appraisal. |
Application: Summary of research
☐ You have not provided a clear or accurate summary of the key research findings. ☐ You have only provided a partial summary of the key research findings. ☐ You have provided a good summary of the key research findings. |
| Appraisal: Considering the research integrity of the article
☐ You have not identified/considered the key appraisal features of the article • Research validity (quant) or credibility and transferability (qual) • Research reliability (quant) or dependability (qual) • Research replicability (quant) or confirmability (qual) ☐ There are inaccuracies in your interpretation of one or more of the key appraisal features • Research validity (quant) or credibility and transferability (qual) • Research reliability (quant) or dependability (qual) • Research replicability (quant) or confirmability (qual) ☐ You have undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of your research articles which demonstrates a clear understanding of the key appraisal elements of this course. |
|
| Commentary on appraisal
☐ You have not comprehensively considered the implications of the findings from this evidence review for your practice. ☐ You have comprehensively considered the implications of the findings from this evidence review for your practice. |
|
| Use of language and references
☐ Your assignment has too many spelling, grammar or punctuation errors ☐ In some passages, your writing makes the meaning unclear or difficult to follow ☐ Your meaning is clear, but your language is too colloquial ☐ Make sure you stick to correct citation conventions ☐ Your writing style is fluent, clear and the tone is appropriate |
Structuring
☐ Your arrangement of the material into paragraphs could provide a more logical sequence of ideas Some of your paragraphs do not focus on one main idea each, or are too short/long ☐ Your conclusion could do more to give the essay an ending which brings together your various points ☐ You have structured the material in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas |
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