Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Optometrists and vision scientists need experience in research methods and statistical procedures and so that statistical techniques used in the optometric and vision science literature may be critically evaluated in the development of the evidence base of the profession.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with a background in the statistical processes commonly used in the optometric and vision science literature, through application of statistics on sample data sets, and to give you an understanding of psychophysical methods used in vision research and applications to optometric practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. employ commonly used statistical procedures in optometry and vision science
2. illustrate limitations to statistical procedures and statistical errors
3. implement statistical analyses on sample data sets to test hypotheses
4. design and propose a research plan addressing a research question in optometry or vision science

Graduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• the ability to critically evaluate information from a variety of sources as a base for developing the capacity for lifelong learning
  
• critical and analytical thinking skills
  
• theoretical and practical knowledge and technological skills pertinent to vision science and optometry
  
• effective communication skills

Content

This unit addresses statistical procedures used in optometric and vision science research: describing data: graphs and summary statistics; ordinal, nominal, interval scales; probability and distributions; sampling: estimation of population means and proportions - confidence intervals, normal and t- distributions; basic epidemiology indices, study types, odds and risks, randomised controlled trials.

Hypothesis testing will be discussed: introduction to hypothesis tests, t-tests; analysis of variance, repeated measures; associations - correlation and regression; non-parametric methods.

Methods of comparing methods and agreement between procedures will be described. You will learn to perform these procedures through lectures and tutorials, and you will analyse and critique applications of statistical processes in the literature.

Applied aspects of research methods will be discussed: measurement error; precision and reliability in clinical measurements; clinical screening - sensitivity, specificity, ROC analysis; psychophysical method; research proposal writing.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is presented as a series of lectures and tutorials reviewing statistical methods applied in ophthalmic literature. You will learn how to perform statistical procedures, and you will develop, write and present a proposal for a research project.

This unit provides skills and knowledge to critically evaluate the accuracy and validity of test results, appraise clinical theory, newly developed and existing techniques and technology in accordance with the Optometrists Association Australia Universal entry-level competency standards for Optometry (2008) in the competency standards (1) Professional Responsibilities and (4) Diagnosis.
Reference: Kiely PM. Optometrists Association Australia universal (entry-level) and therapeutic competency standards for Optometry 2008. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2009; 92(4): 362-5, 366-86.

Assessment

Summative assessment consists of 3 elements.

Formative assessment:

Formative assessment will include class discussions of statistical analyses and real research data. Tutorials will be organized around the development of research protocols to allow self-evaluation of progress and a group presentation of a research project proposal.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: This is a written critical analysis and review of the statistical approach in a journal article or series of articles.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: Computational based data analysis of a provided data set to test hypotheses.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: This assessment element requires the development of a research project proposal and presentation.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Print and electronic copies of optometry, ophthalmology and vision science periodicals.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 16-Oct-2012