HSC3131 - Quantitative research design and methodology - 2017

The unit provides the necessary skills for students to perform a quantitative design, data management and statistical analysis of a research project. This unit is a more specific development of quantitative health and medical research methodology that builds on the introductory material in 2nd year of the course. It will involve designing a research protocol, including defining the research question, performing a literature review, selection of type of study, defining a study population and sampling strategies, questionnaire design, ethics approval, and oral and written presentation of a protocol. It will also include sessions on managing data and choosing a statistical analysis approach. Students will choose a health research question of interest to them and design a research protocol for studying that particular question.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Develop an answerable research question to address an evidence gap.
2. Critique the strengths and limitations of different quantitative study designs.
3. Design a research project/protocol including project timeline.
4. Define a study population and sampling strategies to answer a research question.
5. Develop a specific approach to sampling, data collection and data analysis.
6. Cultivate further skills in conducting ethical and culturally sensitive research.

• 2 x Written assignments (Total 3,000 words) (30%)
• Group presentation (Oral) (15%)
• In-class group work (15%)
• Final report (3,500 words) (40%) (Hurdle)

Hurdle: 80% attendance at seminars.

3 hour seminar, 3 hours of directed online student learning activities plus 6 hours of self-directed study per week.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr John Oldroyd

Public health science

One of (HSC2141, PHH2141)

AND

One of (HSC2142, PHH2142).