Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 22: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARELearners then need to undertake a research project to meet the remainingrequirements of this unit. In order to do this the learner should follow the basic planlaid out in the content of the unit:• identify purpose and role of proposed research and produce a plan• carry out a literature search• select primary methods of data collection and collect data• select methods of data analysis and analyse data• review the research considering ethical issues and the outcomes of the task.Learners should be guided to choose a topic area that will have scope for discussionof ethical issues and any possible impact that research of this type could have. Thetopic could be linked to other units in the programme, such as Unit 21: Nutrition forHealth and Social Care, Unit 23: Complementary Therapies for Health and SocialCare, or Unit 28: Caring for Older People.For merit/distinction grades, learners need to review and analyse their piece ofresearch, for example justifying their choice of topic and reviewing theirmethodology. The ability to demonstrate understanding of the link between researchand practice will be key to achievement of the higher grades.Learners who are registered on the Health Sciences endorsed pathway could, if theychoose, use the ‘scientific experiment’ as a primary research method. They need toensure, however, that their choice of topic allows them to fulfil the requirements ofthe assessment criteria.Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTECqualifications and other relevant units and qualificationsThe knowledge and skills gained through this unit will underpin many others in theprogramme. Depending on the choice of project, this unit may enable learners togain some of the underpinning knowledge for the following units of the Level 3 NVQin Health and Social Care:• Unit HSC31: Promote effective communication for and about individuals• Unit HSC32: Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security inthe working environment• Unit HSC33: Reflect on and develop your practice• Unit HSC34: Promote the wellbeing and protection of children and youngpeople• Unit HSC35: Promote choice, wellbeing and the protection of allindividuals• Unit HSC3111: Promote the equality, diversity, rights and responsibilities ofindividuals• Unit HSC3116: Contribute to promoting a culture that values and respectsthe diversity of individuals.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007303