Research Methodologies

The pedagogical model adopted combines theoretical exposition, active learning and guided independent work, ensuring that students integrate concepts with investigative practice.
Theoretical classes — Introduce and consolidate the fundamentals of scientific research, evidence-based practice and qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies, with examples contextualised to occupational therapy.
Theoretical-practical classes — Develop operational skills such as formulating research questions, advanced bibliographic research in relevant databases, critical analysis of studies, and application of referencing standards.
Guided independent work — Focuses on the preparation of literature reviews, critical analysis exercises and the preparation of scientific outputs (posters, articles, presentations), promoting student autonomy and responsibility for their educational path.
Scientific communication simulation — Reproduces real academic and professional dissemination processes, allowing students to develop skills in synthesis, argumentation, and public defence of ideas.
This combination of methodologies ensures consistency with the defined learning objectives, facilitates progression in the skills outlined by Bloom’s Taxonomy, and contributes directly to the development of a profile capable of basing professional practice on the best available scientific evidence.

Students who obtain a minimum grade of 10 (ten) points, rounded up, are considered to have passed this course unit.
Continuous assessment:
Written work (individual) literature review (40%); report with the exercises proposed in class (40%); Oral exam presentation of the work (20%)
Normal/resit/special exam period: Written work (individual) (70%) and oral exam (30%)
In accordance with the Academic Regulations for the 1st Cycle of Studies of the School of Health Technology of the Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, available for consultation at https://www. estesc.ipc.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Regulamento-Academico-1o-Ciclo_ESTeSC_-Homologado_signed_20230720.pdf

Develop critical and scientific thinking in occupational therapy and occupational science:
Prepare to plan and evaluate research; provide the basis for the applied phase.
Know and understand the scientific process and its writing.
Know and understand research paradigms and methodologies. Characterise types of research.
Demonstrate the ability to systematically gather, report and apply evidence relevant to the practice of occupational therapy.
Understand the methodological implications of initiating research.
Know how to justify the appropriate research methods considering research ethics.
Know different methods of bibliographic referencing and demonstrate the ability to perform them.
Master the use of bibliographic reference management programmes.
Reflect on practice and complex knowledge.

Evidence-based practice in occupational therapy
General concepts of scientific research:
Paradigms and ethics in research
Research planning:
Formulation of research questions.
Definition of objectives and hypotheses
Study methodologies:
qualitative, quantitative and mixed
Types of literature review: state of the art, critical review, scoping review and systematic review with or without meta-analysis.
Sources and bibliographic referencing
Databases with sources of evidence relevant to occupational therapy and occupational science.
Bibliographic reference management programmes
Communication
Presentation (poster, article, oral communication)
structure and type of scientific paper writing

NAO