Introduction to Research Methods
Duration
- 1 Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 Hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
2021 teaching periods
Hawthorn
| Higher Ed. Semester 2 | HOL Study Period 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Swinburne Online
| Teaching Period 2 | Teaching Period 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Aims and objectives
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Define the scientific method and scientific thinking principles.
2. Apply knowledge of ethical issues in research.
3. Describe the main concepts of measurement and various sampling methods.
4. Explain the general concept of an experiment and a quasi-experiment and outline uses of these designs in research.
5. Contrast a range of research designs and methods and be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
6. Select appropriate research designs and research methods to address hypothetical and real world problems
Courses with unit
BA-PSYS Bachelor of Psychological Sciences – SOL delivery
BH-PSY Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Standard entry
BA-HSC1 Bachelor of Health Science
BA-HSCPROF Bachelor of Health Science (Professional)
BA-BEHS2 Bachelor of Behavioural Studies, OUA only
BA-SSCPSY2S Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) SOL, final intake 2016.
BA-SSS Bachelor of Social Science – SOL delivery
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
This unit will involve up to 150 hours of work including:
On-campus:
| Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
| Face to Face Contact Lecture Tutorial |
2 1 |
12 12 |
24 12 |
| Online Contact | NA |
|
|
| Specified Learning Activities Readings Discussion Board | 4
| 12
| 48
|
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent study Assignment preparation Revision | Recommended |
| 66 |
| TOTAL |
|
| 150 hours/12.5cp |
Online (OUA and Hawthorn Online):
| Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
| Online Contact Blackboard Collaborate |
1 |
12 |
12 |
| Specified Learning Activities Discussion Boards Readings Tutorial Activities | 6
| 12
| 72
|
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent study Assignment preparation Revision | Recommended |
| 66 |
| TOTAL |
|
| 150 hours/12.5cp |
Online (SOL):
| Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
| Face to Face Contact | N/A |
| |
| Online Contact Collaborate sessions |
1 |
up to 6 |
6
|
| Specified Learning Activities Interactive DB activities Online eLA-student interactions Readings Viewing videos Self-check tests | 8 | 12 | 96 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent study Assessment tasks Reading up on current affairs relevant to topics | Recommended |
| 48 |
| TOTAL |
|
| 150 hours/12.5cp |
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Assignment 1: Critical Review | Individual | 15% | 3 , 4, 5 |
| Assignment 2: Research Project: | Individual | 35% | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Examination | Individual | 50% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
General skills outcomes
• Analysis Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
• Research Approaches and Data Collection Methods
• Measurement and Sampling
• Ethical Issues in Research
• Experiments and experimental designs
• Quasi-experiments and non-experiments
• Survey research
• Qualitative and Mixed Methods research
• Analysing and Interpreting Data
Study resources
- Reading materials.