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 is the focus of discussion. 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.
- Self as researcher
- Research as a way of knowing
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Critical research paradigms (e.g., feminist and participatory action research)
- Question posing and exploration
- Literature review
- Theoretical/conceptual framework
- Research design
- Population and sampling
- Research rigour
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Dissemination of new knowledge
- Critical analysis and appraisal of research
- Evidence hierarchy
- Informatics to support research
- Knowledge translation
- Evidence-informed practice/evidence-informed decision making
At the end of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Understand the rich diversity of options available in the selection of a research design and the contexts in which these designs are best suited for valid, reliable, and useful research findings.
- Understand and critically appraise the common components of a research study.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically appraise a study for its scientific merit and for suitability and applicability to practice.
- Demonstrate ability to implement evidence in patient care.
- Demonstrate ability to evaluate potential change in patient care as a result of evidence implementation.
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect on and critically appraise the development of their evidence-informed practice and decision making.
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.