Evidence-Based Professional Practice Portfolio: Critical Appraisal of Scientific and Other Evidence

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor and tutor: Almuth McDowall (interim)
• Assessment: a 5000-word case study (100%)

This module is one of six modules within Part 1 of the MRes/Professional Doctorate in Evidence-Based HRM to facilitate deep and critical understanding of the critical appraisal of scientific and other evidence. The module is highly interactive and relies on both tutor and peer learning, along with work-based practice, with a clear focus on experiential learning and reflection on action, as well as personal reflection.

Indicative module content

• The validity and reliability of information and how and why this varies
• General methods for assessing the trustworthiness of any type of information or evidence from any source (scientific findings, professional expertise, organisational data and stakeholder perspectives), including specific frameworks such as PRISMA, the Maryland checklist, EBP frameworks etc
• Techniques developed across different disciplines for assessing the trustworthiness of scientific findings in HRM

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate that the validity and reliability of information can vary considerably and why this is the case
• identify a range of methods for assessing the trustworthiness, reliability and validity of any type of information or evidence from any source (scientific findings, professional expertise, organisational data and stakeholder perspectives) and independently form critical judgments and recommendations
• apply some of the critical appraisal techniques developed in a number of fields for assessing the trustworthiness of scientific findings in HRM by taking a critical and cross-disciplinary perspective
• critically appraise the complex linkages between research design, research methods and scientific claims as well as purported implications for practice, and communicate any conclusions and recommendations to different audiences
• demonstrate personal and professional skills for working with ambiguity, nuance and uncertainty
• communicate your learning to a range of audiences in oral and written form
• identify and record reflections of personal learning and development around evidence-based practice as required for future professional practice
• conceptualise, design and implement substantial research at the forefront of HRM.