It is the intent of faculty to facilitate student learning, and promote critical inquiry, reflection and analytical reasoning through a variety of learning processes such as lecture, seminar, group discussion and presentation.
In this course, the development of the knowledge and skills needed to be an informed consumer of research, and for the utilization of research in nursing practice, are the foci. Concepts and essential content that will be addressed relative to these topics are listed below. In addition, the core curriculum concepts are integrated in this course.
Evidence-Informed Practice
- Research as a way of knowing
- Critical analysis and appraisal of research
- Evidence hierarchy
- Informatics to support research
- Evidence-informed practice/evidence-informed decision making
Research Approaches
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Mixed-methods
- Critical research paradigms (e.g., feminist and participatory action research)
- Theoretical/conceptual framework
- Research rigour
Research Process
- Self as researcher
- Question posing and exploration
- Literature review
- Research design
- Population and sampling
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Dissemination of new knowledge
- Knowledge translation
At the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Identify the rich diversity of options available in the selection of a research design.
- Recognize the contexts in which various research designs are best suited for valid, reliable, and useful research findings.
- Critically appraise a study for its scientific merit, suitability, and applicability to practice.
- Demonstrate the ability to utilize current evidence to inform nursing practice and decision-making.
- Describe how informatics can support research.
- Develop, at a beginning level, an original study proposal.
The course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. A course evaluation schedule and other course evaluation information are provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline which is available to students at the beginning of each semester. This is a graded course.
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.