Masters in Maternal Health and Obstetric Nursing

1- To understand the onto-epistemological principles that sustain the quantitative and qualitative methods

2- To distinguish between the different theoretical-methodological options that make up quantitative and qualitative research

3- To recognize the processes of the development of quantitative and qualitative methods highlighting the essential aspects of each stage

4- To employ the theoretical and technical requirements of the analysis of unstructured information (analysis and content), research from databases, and the analysis of data/information using the appropriate computer tools

5- To develop the necessary skills and techniques in the process of the critical analysis of scientific publications

6- To develop the necessary methodological and technical skills for the design and operation of a research project and for the production of a research report

7- To use the fundamental forms and components in the preparation of reports and the communication of scientific results

1 MODELS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN NURSING

1.1- Historical context of the development of research in nursing
1.2- Models

2- QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODOLOGIES    

2.1 - Problems with research and its formulation
2.2- Processes and resources for on-line bibliographic research
2.3- The most commonly used quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches in the field
2.4- Concepts and criteria of the internal and external validity of research (quantitative and qualitative studies)

3- THE CREATION OF RESEARCH PROJECTS AND REPORTS AND THE COMMUNICATION OF RESULTS

3.1- Research project creation
3.2- Fundamental components of a research report (quantitative and qualitative)
3.3- Critical analysis of research articles
3.4- Scientific article writing

4 - FORMAL AND ETHICAL PROCEDURES IN RESEARCH
  - Contexts
  - Participants
  - Data
  - Results
  - Disclosure

- To reach objective 1, theoretical content is presented regarding point 1- models of scientific research in nursing;

- Regarding objectives 2 and 3, theoretical and theoretical-practical content is taught relating to quantitative and qualitative methodologies;

- Regarding objectives 4 and 5, theoretical-practical and laboratory content is employed relating to on-line bibliographic research processes and resources and the analysis of data/information using the appropriate computer tools;

- To reach objectives 6 and 7, theoretical-practical and practical laboratory content is used within the scope of points 4 and 5 of the course contents, respectively the creation of research projects and reports and communication of results and formal and ethical procedures in research respectively.

Theoretical classes:
Lectures with presentation of the fundamental theory of the course contents.
Theoretical-practical classes:
Interactive lectures method;
Guidance on reflective reading of reference works;
Guidance on the critical analysis of produced research;
Group problem-solving worksheets completed in the classroom with teacher present.
Practical laboratory classes
Practice using computer programmes to analyse data;
On-line bibliographic research.

Test evaluation: Written test (12 points) and individual assignment in the form of a research project relating to topics in the area of Maternal Health and Obstetrical Nursing chosen by the student (8 points).

Exam(s) evaluation: Written exam (20 points) in accordance with the ESEnfC's regulation of attendance and evaluation.

The production of knowledge through research is the cornerstone of the sustained development of this discipline and a well-grounded practice. This curricular unit is intended to foster critical reflection of the onto-epistemological issues of research in human and social science, particularly in nursing, giving students knowledge and skills in research methods.
A multiparadigmatic vision is proposed, taking into account the need to consider the selection of the most adequate method for a research problem. The students are guided in the critical analysis of documents produced by researchers, the use of computer tools, on-line document research, and the analysis of data/information.
The curricular unit aims to improve scientific discourse, emphasising the principles of the creation of an empirical research project and report and critical analysis skills.

A more active methodology is employed, which puts the student at the centre of the teaching and learning processes and permits the development of skills such as analysis, critique, group work, the practice of individual research, and student-teacher interaction.

The methods and strategies used in each learning situation are those that the teacher deems adequate in order to reach the established learning objectives.

In addition to the faculty consisting of the teaching staff, who are specialists in the field, the resources are those that ESEnfC makes available to the students as a whole.
The methodologies used are adequate for reaching the objectives, bearing in mind the amount of classroom time and the students' individual time , and allowing for differentiation between the skills students had at the start of the unit and those they acquired through the program.

BARDIN, Laurence – Análise de Conteúdo. 3ª ed. Lisboa: Edições 70, 2004.

CRESWELL, John – Projeto de Pesquisa: métodos qualitativo, quantitativo e misto. 3ª ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2010. ISBN 978-85-363-2300-8.

FORTIN, Marie-Fabienne - Fundamentos e Etapas do Processo de Investigação. Lisboa: Lusociência, 2009. ISBN 972-8383-10-X.

MORSE, Janice - Aspectos essenciais de metodologia de investigação qualitativa. Coimbra : Formasau, 2007. ISBN 978-972-8485-89-4.

PESTANA, Maria Helena; GAGUEIRO, João Nunes  co-aut.-  Análise de dados para ciencias sociais: complementaridade do SPSS. 3ª ed. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo, 2003. ISBN 972-618-181-X.

POLIT, Denise F.; BECK, Cheryl T.; HUNGLER, Bernadette P.- Fundamentos de pesquisa em enfermagem. 5ª ed. Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2004. ISBN 85-7307-984-3.

POUPART, Jean, [et. al] - A Pesquisa Qualitativa. Enfoques Epistemológicos e Metodológicos. Petropólis: Ed. Vozes, 2008. ISBN 978-853-2636-81-2.