Units
Advanced Research Methods
Unit code: PUB416
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
An understanding of research methods is essential in the training of all public health professionals. This unit explores quantitative methods in a variety of health research projects, examining conceptualisation of research questions and hypotheses, core elements of experimental and quasi-experimental designs, and various approaches to the collection, management and analysis of quantitative data. The unit has a practical focus for students who are considering conducting research as well as those interested in deeper appreciation of implementation behind published research results.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit strengthens skills acquired in prior units of epidemiology and health statistics by providing experience in research design and planning. It will enable students to focus on a specific area of interest and gain the professional skills and expertise needed to develop their own research project. The unit aims to foster students' autonomy and ability to critically evaluate a research issue and understand the controversies and limitations of the knowledge in their discipline to better inform practice.
Aims
This unit aims to prepare students for participation in planning a health-related research project. Specifically, this unit provides students with an opportunity to develop knowledge of the decision-making processes involved in designing research and/or program evaluations in health science.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth skills in critical analysis of the current state of evidence with regard to a specific health issue.
- Understand the variety of measurement methods in health sciences and their strengths and weaknesses.
- Understand the diversity of research designs and how they can be applied in public health research.
- Have a sound knowledge of evaluation research methods and practice.
- Apply this understanding to develop a comprehensive research proposal, including logic model, implementation plan, estimated budget and timelines.
- Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with academic mentors.
Content
The major topic areas include:
- The direct and indirect impact of research in the health of populations
- Systematic reviews and criteria for evaluating published findings
- Mixed methods research in public health
- Case studies of applying mixed methods to evaluate health programs
- Core planning principles and skills; development of logic models
- Experimental and quasi-experimental design
- Measurement quality- precision vs. accuracy
- Sampling methods, recruitment strategies, sample size estimation
- Implementation plans- budgets and timelines
- Writing a research proposal
- Research careers in Public Health
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Students will develop critical thinking and research skills in a workshop environment that will foster critical enquiry and informed debate on a range of professional issues. Lectures will provide background information but much of the teaching will be interactive and learning will be problem-based.
Assessment
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment in this unit will consist of feedback on the activities conducted in tutorials. In order to maximise your learning experience in this unit, you should prepare for tutorial sessions in advance and participate in activities and discussion during tutorials. Furthermore, written and oral feedback associated with the marking of assessment will constitute formative assessment for the unit.
Assessment name:
Expression of interest
Description:
Formative Assessment. A 1-page overview of the identified need to research a specific health issue. Students will also need to identify a research mentor and establish a timeline for completing the unit's assessment tasks. Note: Feedback on this assessment lays the foundation for the summative assessment tasks.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Wk 3
Assessment name:
Literature Review
Description:
Summative and Formative Assessment. Critical literature review of current health issue. Write a critical review of literature on a topic relevant to your professional practice. Identify a problem or research question that needs to be investigated, that will form the basis of a research proposal.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
mid semester
Assessment name:
Oral Presentation
Description:
Summative and Formative Assessment. Oral presentation of proposed research. Develop a research plan (in consultation with a research mentor) to investigate the problem or research question identified in Assessment 2. Students will present the research plan to their peers, to receive feedback prior to completing the written proposal.
Relates to objectives:
3, 4, 5, 6
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
mid-end semester
Assessment name:
Written Research Proposal
Description:
Summative Assessment. Develop a comprehensive research proposal to investigate the problem or research question identified in Assessment 2 (Critical literature review of current health issue).
Relates to objectives:
1-6
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
end semester
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
Recommended Textbook
Bowling A & Ebrahim S. (2005) Handbook of Health Research Methods. London: Open University Press.
Recommended reading
Bowling, A. (2002) Research Methods in Health. London: Open University Press.
Gilmore G.D. & Campbell, D. (2005) Needs and Capacity Assessment Strategies for Health Education and Health Promotion. Boston: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Glasziou, P., Del Mar , C. & Salisbury, J. (2007) Evidence-Based Practice Workbook (2nd Ed). London: BMJ Books.
Owen, J.M. (2006) Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches. Sydney: Allen and Unwin.
Tashakkori, A., & Teddle C. (2003) Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioural Sciences. London: sage Publications.
Risk assessment statement
Substantial computer-based work will be required. Students should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. Students should ensure that their workstations are adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.
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: 17-Oct-2012
