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EHR128 Understanding Research (8)

Abstract

The subject assists students to evaluate knowledge sources and develop basic investigation skills related to the disciplines of human movement. The subject further provides an overview of the theory and practice of using and undertaking research. Students will develop the ability to read and critically analyse research. In addition to exploring the relationship between theory and practice, stages of the research process will be examined. Concepts to be addressed in this subject include accessing knowledge and critiquing sources of information, basic data collection and analysis techniques in different paradigms.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalBathurst Campus
Session 3
DistanceBathurst Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EHR128
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Human Movement Studies

Enrolment restrictions

Available to students in: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Sport Management) Bachelor of Education (Health & PE) Bachelor of Educational Studies or as approved by the Course Director

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to assimilate peer reviewed information from scholarly databases;
  • be able to reference peer reviewed sources of information in a consistent and academically-recognised format;
  • be able to identify the need for principled and ethical research practices;
  • be able to apply the metalanguage of research in critiquing scholarly works;
  • be able to critique the validity of information available in the popular media;
  • be able to identify and discuss key aspects of research reports;
  • be able to analyse data sets using appropriate statistical methods;
  • be able to analyse different research paradigms.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • The essence of a profession: knowledge and the academy;
  • Peer review process, searching academic databases and referencing;
  • Scientific method and the search for truth;
  • The nature of qualitative inquiry;
  • Methods of reasoning and constructing an argument;
  • Reading and analysing research papers;
  • Ethical considerations in research;
  • Analysing quantitative research: variables, probability, hypothesis testing and the use of Excel;
  • Research designs (causation versus correlation): experimental; non-experimental; case study; and action research;
  • Qualitative research: data collection methods (interviews, surveys, participant observations, artefacts) and data analysis methods (discourse analysis, thematic analysis);
  • Australian lifestyle disease trends and the role of human movement professionals.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.