Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Nursing and Midwifery

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

  Research Design and Guided Reading

• Unit Code

  RDG7000

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  30

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

The unit analyses the principles underlying the theory of knowledge and how this informs the principles of research design. Students are exposed to a range of specific research methods, including quantitative and qualitative and mixed research methods. The unit uses a guided reading approach to expose students to the art and craft of critiquing research methodologies, developing research questions and considering the research process.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply an understanding of the research process, research design and the construction of research questions, aims and hypotheses relevant to a researchable topic.
2. Apply and interpret simple data analysis processes to quantitative and/or qualitative data.
3. Critically analyse how perspectives of knowledge influence research methodology.
4. Critically analyse quantitative and/or qualitative research studies in the pursuit of academic rigour.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of knowledge and how cultural, social and institutional perspectives influence the construction of knowledge.
6. Evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various research approaches and or methods.

Unit Content

1. Construction and framing of research questions, aims, hypotheses.
2. Critiquing research.
3. Cultural, social and institutional influences on the construction of knowledge.
4. Research Design: research ethics including research benefit and integrity.
5. Research process & methodology.
6. The nature of knowledge; different forms of knowledge, truth and the perception of reality.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars, workshops, case studies and E Learning resources.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail 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.

Text References

• ^ Liamputtong, P. (2010). Research methods in health: Foundations for evidence-based practice. Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
• ^ Bell, E. (2010). Research for health policy. Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
• Catburn R. (2011). Handbook for health care research (2nd ed.). London: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
• Aron, A., Coups, E.J., & Aron, E.N. (2011). Statistics for the behavioural and social sciences: A brief course (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
• DePoy E., & Gitlin, L. N. (2011). Introduction to research: understanding and applying multiple strategies. Sydney: Elsevier/Mosby.
• Koshy, E., Koshy, V., & Waterman, H. (2011). Action research in healthcare. London: SAGE.
• Lindsay, D.R. (2011). Scientific writing: Thinking in words. Sydney: CSRIO Publishing.
• Neuman, W.L. (2011). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
• Shaughnessy, J.J., Zechmeister, E.B., Zechmeister, E.B., & Zechmeister, J.S. (2009). Research methods in psychology (8th ed.). New York, USA: McGraw Hill Higher Education.
• Buttner, P., & Muller, R. (2011). Epidemiology. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
• Bazeley, P. (2013). Qualitative data analysis: Practical Stategies. London: SAGE.
• Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). London: Sage.

^ Mandatory reference

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