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HELM Open Research Collection

This collection brings together a comprehensive set of Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) that introduce and develop key research skills for learners across health, social care, and academic disciplines. Covering both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the resources guide users through the fundamentals of designing studies, analysing data, interpreting evidence, and understanding research methodology.

Learners can explore different study designs including cohort, case control, and randomised controlled trials, alongside core statistical concepts such as levels of measurement, probability, and meta-analysis. Several RLOs provide clear introductions to qualitative research methods and analysis, supporting users in developing balanced and informed research literacy.

In addition to methodological content, the collection includes resources that support academic development, such as writing for publication and critiquing research. These help learners build the skills needed to communicate findings effectively and evaluate the quality and relevance of published studies.

Together, these RLOs offer an accessible and structured pathway into research methods, enabling students and practitioners to confidently plan, evaluate, and engage with research across a range of professional contexts.

Academic Writing for Publication: Information, Exercises and Individual Writing Journeys

This resource aims to help you in developing your skills in: - academic writing - preparing manuscripts for publication - writing funding applications It shares experiences of writing and publishing and gives professional advice on developing your writing and how to prepare, review and persevere with it.

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Asking the right question

This RLO outlines why asking the right question can help in the search for evidence, and explains how to construct good questions using the PICO technique.

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Cohort and case-controlled studies

This RLO explains what are case-control and cohort studies, and outlines the difference between them.

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Levels of Measurement

To understand the different levels of measurement and the arithmetic operations that can be performed on them

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Meta-analysis

This RLO provides an introduction to the basic concepts of meta-analysis, which is an important and valuable tool for summarising data from multiple studies.

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Probability associated with inferential statistics

An introduction to probability, and the probability of sample errors affecting research results.

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Qualitative and quantitative research

Outlining the distinction between qualitative and quantitative methods of doing research.

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Qualitative Data Analysis

The aim of this Reusable Learning Object (RLO) is to give you an idea of how qualitative data analysis is done. It's aimed at students studying evidence based practice or research methods, with a basic understanding of what qualitative research is.

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Quantitative Study Designs

This resource explains study design and looks at the situations in which you might apply the different types of design methodology.

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Randomised Control Trials (RCT)

This resource looks at Randomised Control Trials (RCT). Generally in a randomised controlled trial, study participants are randomly assigned or randomised to one of two groups: the experimental group receiving the intervention that is being tested and the comparison group (control) which receives a conventional treatment or placebo. These groups are then followed prospectively to assess the effectiveness of the intervention compared with the standard treatment or control.

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Types of qualitative research

This RLO outlines the variety of types of qualitative research that there are. It's aimed primarily at students studying evidence based practice and research methods.

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What is a randomised controlled trial?

This RLO outlines how Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) work.

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What is Evidence Based Practice?

This RLO introduces the concept of evidence based practice and explains, in outline, how evidence based practice is done.

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Why critique research?

Why published research needs to be appraised by readers.

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