Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Exercise and Health Sciences

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Health Research Methodology

• Unit Code

  HST2122

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

---

Description

This unit addresses quantitative and qualitative health research skills. In particular the focus is on quality research design and critical thinking about the research process. It will equip students with the ability to apply a range of practical, health research methodologies and the capacity to critically evaluate health research projects.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply a variety of quantitative and qualitative research skills in health settings.
2. Critically evaluate the design and conclusions of research studies.
3. Identify computer software appropriate for use in health research.
4. Interpret and present research data.
5. Prepare a research proposal relevant to a health education setting.
6. Present a research report.
7. Understand the ethical considerations in research practice, particularly implications when dealing with minority groups, at risk populations, or culturally diverse cohorts.
8. Use library research skills to access original resources.

Unit Content

1. Data analysis
2. Data collection methods
3. Ethics principles and practices
4. Reporting research process and results
5. Research design
6. Research: Concepts, theories, and strategies
7. Reviewing the literature
8. Sampling approaches
9. The art of questioning
10. The research process: Social health research

Additional Learning Experience Information

On Campus students:Lectures, audio visual materials, case studies, small group activities, discussions and online resources. Off Campus students:E-learning, self-study exercises, peer review exercises. This unit engages students in the exploration of contemporary social health issues through the process of learning how to ask questions so that meaningful answers can be found. Students will interact with the instructor and with their peers to develop relevant and researchable questions and design a proposed research study that can provide answers to their questions. The research process will be broken-down into manageable steps which can be built up to a full research design.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

^ Mandatory to Pass
* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency

Text References

• ^ Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
• Bowling, A. (2009). Research methods in health: Investigating health and health services (3rd ed.). New York: Open University Press.
• Quinn-Patton, M. (2002). Qualitatitve research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). California: SAGE.
• Polgar, S., & Thomas, S.A. (2007). Introduction to research in the health sciences (5th ed.). Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.
• Oliver, S., & Peersman, G. (Eds.). (2001). Using research for effective health promotion. Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Cresswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). California: SAGE.
• De Koning, K., & Martin, M. (Eds.). (1996). Participatory research in health: Issues and experiences. London: Zed Books Ltd.
• De Vaus, D.A. (2002). Surveys in social research (5th ed.). London: Allen & Unwin.
• Germov, J., & Williams, L. (1999). Get great information fast. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
• Hood, S., Mayall, B., & Oliver, S. (Eds.). (2001). Critical issues in social research: Power and prejudice. Buckingham: Open University Press.
• Kumar, R. (2011). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (3rd ed.). London: SAGE.
• Liamputtong, P. (2009). Qualitative Research Methods. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Liamputtong, P. (Ed.). (2010). Research methods in health: Foundations for evidence-based practice. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• O'Leary, Z. (2010). The esssential guide to doing your research project. London: SAGE.

Journal References

• Health Education Research
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Social Science and Medicine
• Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

^ Mandatory reference

---