514-410 Theory Method and Ethics in Research

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The general aims of this subject are to provide a context for honours-year students to develop an understanding of nursing in relation to its socio-historical and ethical contexts. The focus is on the changing themes in the history of scientific thought, and on providing students with a framework for understanding and evaluating reasoning, argument and ethical decision making in nursing. The subject provides students with opportunities to develop their knowledge of the role of principled argument, ethical issues and the analysis of contemporary theory as it relates to nursing. Students will have the opportunity to develop research and ethical proposals and to critically analyse the assumptions underlying the different approaches to research and practice.

Students enrolled in this subject will:

• develop a research proposal for the dissertation;

• examine the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity and articulate their chosen method in these terms;

• debate and defend methodological approaches to research;

• debate ethical issues in research in nursing.

On completion of this subject students will have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills and respect for the ethic of scholarship. They will demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity, and extensive knowledge of their professional discipline and its values and ethics. Students will develop the ability to comprehend complex problems and express them lucidly both orally and in writing and develop an openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom.

1) Ethical proposal (2000 words) - 50%

2) Theory assignment (3000 words) - 50%

Specific readings selected by the subject coordinator will be made available to the students at the commencement of the subject either as a book of readings or on counter reserve in the library.