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POD332 Research Methods: Podiatry Honours (8)

Abstract

This subject deals with a range of research methods that are used by health professionals, and provides a basis for involvement in original research. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are presented, and students are required to analyse data with computer-based packages. Students are also given skills for applying scientific principles to routine clinical practice, exposed to ways in which research results are disseminated, and encouraged to evaluate research critically. By the end of session, students are required to produce a research proposal on which their honours dissertation will be based.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: POD332
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 Community Health

Assumed Knowledge

PSY102 and POD331

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) (Honours) students only.
Incompatible subject(s)
HLT322

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be familiar with:
- Basic descriptive statistics concerning central tendency and variation;
- Visual means of presenting data including histograms, pie charts, scattergrams, and stem-and-leaf charts;
- Commonly used methods of sampling including probability and non-probability samples;
- Different levels of measurement (e.g., nominal, ordinal, and equal-interval), and the implications of using them;
- Strengths, limitations, and weaknesses (including observer biases and effects) of different empirical methods;
- A range of qualitative research methods, including content analysis, grounded theory, case studies, focus groups, the delphi technique, and action research;
- Basic quantitative methods used by health professionals, including single subject designs, quasi-experiments, and experiments;
- Principles underlying inferential statistics, including statistical significance;
- A range of basic nonparametric statistical techniques, including chi-square, the sign test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearmans rank order correlation coefficient;
- A range of basic parametric statistical techniques, including Pearsons correlation, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and simple linear regression;
- The nature and scope of multivariate analysis techniques including MANOVA, multiple regression, canonical correlations, and factor analysis;
- Means of disseminating research including journal articles, seminar presentations, and poster presentations;
- Ethical issues associated with research;
- The dangers associated with a "publish or perish" mentality;
And be able to:
- Conduct literature searches using computerised databases;
- Generate research questions and hypotheses;
- Determine appropriate samples for research investigations
- Determine appropriate methods of research for particular applications;
- Prepare data for analysis (including coding and using inter-rater reliability checks);
- Use a variety of qualitative research methods;
- Design a questionnaire / survey instrument;
- Conduct a survey interview;
- Select appropriate statistical techniques for analysing quantitative data;
- Employ basic nonparametric and parametric statistical techniques;
- Create data sets and analyse data using computer packages;
- Evaluate research critically; and
- Produce a research proposal.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- Literature searches using computerised data bases - Basic research methods used by health professionals, including experiments and quasi-experiments - Sampling - Descriptive statistics - Commonly used qualitative research methods - Questionnaire design and survey analysis - Commonly used quantitative statistics (both nonparametric and parametric) - Strengths, limitations, and weaknesses of different empirical methods - Internal and external validity - Computer-based statistics packages - Dissemination of research findings - Critical consumption of research - Ethical issues associated with research - Characteristics of research proposals

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.