SRH5003 · Designing and conducting health research

Overview

This unit is an introduction to research methods used in health research. It aims to equip you with the theoretical knowledge of research design and methods used in undertaking research, and the practical skills to conduct their own research. You will develop skills in formulating research questions, searching the literature for evidence, identifying and understanding the components of rigorous research design, appropriate data collection and analysis techniques, and ensuring research is conducted in an ethically and culturally sensitive manner. By the end of the unit, you will have the necessary knowledge and skills to initiate their own research project as the basis for a minor thesis, or to conduct a research project within their workplace.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Critically differentiate between research traditions and methods;
2. Undertake a search and synthesis of the research literature and critically appraise the findings;
3. Formulate a research question that addresses an evidence gap in the health care literature;
4. Articulate the ethical considerations in promoting ethical conduct in health research;
5. Design a research project that includes a method appropriate to the research question;
6. Formulate a research protocol that is rigorous and feasible;
7. Communicate the use of research as a basis for decision-making in health care policy & practice;
8. Explain and apply the principles of academic integrity when conducting research.

Workload

For this distance education unit, you are expected to undertake your work during private study time. You will be expected to log onto Moodle on a regular basis for announcements and updates. You will need to undertake readings (available via Moodle) and view online materials (e.g. PowerPoint/audio/visual material). You will also be required to undertake regular formative activities. You will be required to undertake all assessment activities as these are all hurdle requirements to ensure that all learning objectives are covered. The assessments will require preparation ranging from readings, writing and undertaking online activities (quizzes and forum discussions).

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.