1
School of Nursing and Allied Health
Marking Grid – Level 6 NS621- Research in Nursing
Learning outcomes for the module
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research process, its principles, and benefits to nursing
2. Critically evaluate strategies for collecting and appraising literature to conduct a coherent literature review
3. Demonstrate a questioning and analytical approach to the utilisation of research findings in practice, and a
sound ability to develop evidence-based recommendations for enhancing nursing care
Level 6 Fail Pass
Grade band
Grading
category
0-34(F) – Fail
Not successful
35-39(E)
Marginal Fail
Below required
standard
40-49(D) 3rd
class
Threshold pass
Satisfactory
50-59(C) 2:2
class
Good
60-69(B) 2:1
class
Very good
70-79(A) 1st
class
Excellent
80% (A+) High
1
st class
Outstanding
Knowledge
and
understanding
of the research
process
See key
indicators
below
The work
demonstrates
limited and/or
substantially
inaccurate or no
understanding of
the research
process as
outlined in the key
indicators (below).
The work
demonstrates
insufficient
understanding of
the research
process as
outlined in the key
indicators (below).
The work
demonstrates a
basic, yet
systematic
understanding of
the research
process as
outlined in the key
indicators (below).
The work
demonstrates a
sound breadth
and depth of
systematic
understanding of
the research
process as
outlined in the key
indicators (below).
The work
demonstrates a
sophisticated and
critical systematic
understanding of
the research
process as
outlined in the key
indicators (below).
The work
demonstrates a
highly
accomplished
understanding of
the research
process beyond
the key indicators
(below).
The work
demonstrates an
exceptional
systematic
understanding of
the research
process well
beyond the key
indicators (below).
Key Indicators of knowledge and understanding.
The review question is structured using the PICO/PEO format.
The keywords / search terms chosen, relate clearly to the review question.
There is application of an appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria.
There is a selection of 6 – 10 primary research papers.
There is a presented audit trail of how and why the selected primary research papers were chosen through staged elimination/reduction.
There is evidence that primary research papers have been critically appraised.
There is the relevant use of tables throughout.
2
Level 6 Fail Pass
Grade band
Grading
category
0-34(F) – Fail
Not successful
35-39(E)
Marginal Fail
Below required
standard
40-49(D) 3rd
class
Threshold pass
Satisfactory
50-59(C) 2:2
class
Good
60-69(B) 2:1
class
Very good
70-79(A) 1st
class
Excellent
80% (A+) High
1
st class
Outstanding
Analysis and
criticality of the
findings
through the
development
and
articulation of
applicable
themes,
synthesis, and
evaluation of
their meaning
See key
indicators
below
The work
demonstrates
limited or no
understanding of
the key indicators
and limited or no
ability to work
independently
and deploy
relevant
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis.
The work
demonstrates an
insufficient
understanding of
the key indicators
and insufficient
ability to work
independently,
deploying
accurately
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis.
The work
demonstrates
sufficient
understanding of
the key indicators
and the ability to
work
independently,
deploying
accurately
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis.
The work
demonstrates a
sound
understanding of
the key indicators
and the ability to
consistently work
independently,
deploying
accurately
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis.
The work
demonstrates a
sophisticated
understanding of
the key indicators
and the ability to
work
independently,
critically deploying
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis.
The work
demonstrates a
highly
accomplished
understanding
beyond the key
indicators and the
ability to work
independently,
critically deploying
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis and
extending their
use in relevant
and innovative
ways.
The work
demonstrates an
exceptional
understanding
well beyond key
indicators and
ability to work
independently,
critically deploying
established
techniques of
analysis,
criticality,
evaluation, and
synthesis and
extending their
use in relevant
and innovative
ways.
Key indicators of analysis, criticality, evaluation, and synthesis.
How the thematic analysis took place is evident
There is identification of themes and/or sub-themes through thematic analysis.
The themes/sub-themes presented reflect the review question.
There is an evidenced review of the findings of the selected primary research papers, presented as themes/sub-themes.
A critical appraisal of the research methods used within the primary research papers selected is demonstrated.
Evaluation of the findings is presented.
3
Level 6 Fail Pass
Grade band
Grading
category
0-34(F) – Fail
Not successful
35-39(E)
Marginal Fail
Below required
standard
40-49(D) 3rd
class
Threshold pass
Satisfactory
50-59(C) 2:2
class
Good
60-69(B) 2:1
class
Very good
70-79(A) 1st
class
Excellent
80% (A+) High
1
st class
Outstanding
Application to
practice
See key
indicators
below
With reference to
the key indicators,
a limited and/or
substantially
inaccurate or no
understanding of
evidence-based
recommendations
or enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Unsafe practice is
demonstrated.
Confidentiality in
relation to the
patient or the
clinical area is not
maintained *.
With reference to
the key indicators,
an insufficient
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Unsafe practice
may be
demonstrated.
Confidentiality in
relation to the
patient or the
clinical area may
be not
maintained*
With reference to
the key indicators,
a basic and
systematic
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Safe practice
maintained
throughout.
Confidentiality is
maintained and
understood.
With reference to
the key indicators,
a sound breadth
and depth of
systematic
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Safe practice
maintained
throughout.
Confidentiality is
maintained and
understood.
With reference to
the key indicators,
a sophisticated
and critical
systematic
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Safe practice
maintained
throughout.
Confidentiality is
maintained and
understood.
With reference to
the key indicators,
a highly
accomplished
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Safe practice
maintained
throughout.
Confidentiality is
maintained and
understood.
With reference to
the key indicators,
an exceptional
systematic
understanding
and justification of
evidence-based
recommendations
for enhancing
nursing care
through the
justification of the
utilisation of the
research findings
in practice.
Safe practice
maintained
throughout.
Confidentiality is
maintained and
understood.
Key indicators of application to practice.
There is a critical analysis exploring the findings.
Findings and further literature are explored to support the development of implications for practice.
Implications for practice are relevant to the review topic and field of study.
Gaps in body of knowledge are identified.
Future research recommendations are made relevant to the review topic and field of study.
4
Level 6 Fail Pass
Grade band
Grading
category
0-34(F) – Fail
Not successful
35-39(E)
Marginal Fail
Below required
standard
40-49(D) 3rd
class
Threshold pass
Satisfactory
50-59(C) 2:2
class
Good
60-69(B) 2:1
class
Very good
70-79(A) 1st
class
Excellent
80% (A+) High
1
st class
Outstanding
Transferable
skills
See key
indicators
below
The work
demonstrates
limited or no
evidence of the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most or all the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates
insufficient
evidence of the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most of the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates
sufficient
evidence of the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most of the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates
consistent and
confident
evidence of the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most of the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates a
high degree of
proficiency in the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most of the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates
highly
accomplished
level of
proficiency in the
required skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
in most of the
graduate skills
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
The work
demonstrates an
exceptional level
of proficiency in
most or all the
graduate skills,
with reference to
the key indicators,
identified in the
programme
specification at
this level
Key indicators of transferable skills.
Digital literacy – the use of search engines and online databases, evaluating accuracy and trustworthiness of information, composition, and
presentation of information.
Currency of topic chosen and relatability to field of practice.
Adherence to the assignment brief.
Clarity and fluency of the communication of ideas.
Appropriateness of the research terminology used.
Depth and breadth of relevant reading.
Choice of sources used.
Accuracy of grammar and spelling.
Word count is declared and within the limits stated in the assignment brief
Consistency and coherency of presentation and structure.
Citation accuracy and the use of references.
5
Level 6 Fail Pass
Grade band
Grading
category
0-34(F) – Fail
Not successful
35-39(E)
Marginal Fail
Below required
standard
40-49(D) 3rd
class
Threshold pass
Satisfactory
50-59(C) 2:2
class
Good
60-69(B) 2:1
class
Very good
70-79(A) 1st
class
Excellent
80% (A+) High
1
st class
Outstanding
Professional
competencies
See key
indicators
below
The work has
demonstrated
limited or no
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
when assessed
against the
requirements of
the NMC (2014;
2018a; 2018b;
2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
insufficient
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
when assessed
against the
requirements of
the NMC (2014;
2018a; 2018b;
2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
sufficient
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
when assessed
against the
requirements of
the NMC (2014;
2018a; 2018b;
2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
consistent and
confident
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
when assessed
against the
requirements of
the NMC (2014;
2018a; 2018b;
2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
consistent and
confident
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
at a high degree
of proficiency
when assessed
against the
requirements of
the NMC (2014;
2018a; 2018b;
2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
consistent and
confident
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
at a highly
accomplished
level of
proficiency when
assessed against
the requirements
of the NMC
(2014; 2018a;
2018b; 2018c).
The work has
demonstrated
consistent and
confident
evidence of the
achievement of
professional
competencies in
the key indicators,
at an exceptional
level of
proficiency when
assessed against
the requirements
of the NMC
(2014; 2018a;
2018b; 2018c).
Key indicators of professional competencies.
Research awareness, literacy, and competence
Understanding of research methods, ethics, and governance
Demonstration of evidence-based values and decision making
Applicability of research findings to inform best nursing practice for safe and effective care
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2014) Standards for competence for registered nurses. London: Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2016 BSc Hons Nursing UCAS
and Apprenticeship Curriculum)
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018a) Enabling professionalism in nursing and midwifery practice. London: Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018b) Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurse. London: Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2020 BSc Hons
Nursing UCAS and Apprenticeship Curriculum)
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018c) The Code. Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. London:
Nursing and Midwifery Council.
*Refer to confidentiality policy and/or school guidance
