OCC4091 - Occupational therapy honours research project 2 - 2019

For OCC4091, students will continue to spend up to two days per week in the organisation or service area where the research proposal developed in OCC3072 will be implemented. This will involve students undertaking a research project, collecting data, analysing data, writing up results and contextualising the results in relation to pertinent literature and the professional practice context. This will provide the context for students to apply and consolidate advanced research methodology. Students will also continue fieldwork activities during this time.

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

1. Synthesise and critically appraise a view of the nature and meaning of occupation, the occupational nature of human beings and the theories and basic principles related to enabling occupation and occupational performance.
2. Describe different research methodological approaches used in health sciences and occupational therapy research and be skilled at accessing, critically appraising and applying the best available evidence to their everyday practice.
3. Demonstrate the ability to be reflective, think critically, learn independently and be innovative in their approach to the research project.
4. Possess appropriate oral, written and information technology skills, including the ability to present a coherent argument, negotiate effectively and manage conflict.
5. Describe and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods relevant to occupational therapy practice and community development.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of basic statistics and measurement concepts: levels of measurement, reliability, validity, normative data; as well as basic qualitative concepts of rigour, trustworthiness, authenticity and transferability.
7. Demonstrate ability to critique and integrate relevant research literature and theoretical material related to the research topic.
8. Demonstrate ability to design a research project suitable for honours level and to write a research project proposal which include a literature review, research aim and/or question/s and appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methodology.
9. Demonstrate ability to complete an ethics proposal suitable for submission to an ethics committee.
10. Demonstrate ability to present, critique, evaluate and discuss critique research issues in a public forum.
11. Demonstrate the ability to complete a written dissertation of 10-12,000 words for quantitative studies and up to 15,000 words for qualitative, including literature review and background information, methodology, results/findings, discussion, evaluation, recommendations and conclusions (OCC4091).

Two days fieldwork off campus for 12 weeks from last week of January to commence within 4 weeks before semester 1 teaching week commences.

Research thesis (10,000 to 12,000 words for quantitative studies and up to 15,000 words for qualitative) (100%)

Hurdle

• Attendance at 80% of unit tutorials, practical skills sessions and seminars is required to pass this unit.
• Successful completion of 22 day fieldwork placement.
• Submission of fortnightly project reports.

Occupational therapy