Overview

This unit introduces students to possible areas of independent research, to develop their skills relating to research design and data analysis, to develop their capacity to conduct independent statistical investigations, and to raise awareness and develop skills in the area of ethical considerations in research. The unit will enhance students' awareness of the importance of a scientific research base in practice, and enhance their understanding of research methodology related to forensic behavioural science.

Requisites

Prerequisites
STA60001 Statistical Practice 1
STA60004 Research Design

Rules

62.5 Credit Points in MA-FBS Master of Forensic Behavioural Science

AND

STA60001 Statistical Practice 1

AND

STA60004 Research Design

Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
26-February-2024
26-May-2024
Last self-enrolment date
10-March-2024
Census date
31-March-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
12-April-2024
Results released date
02-July-2024

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Appraise the extant relevant research and identify gaps in the literature that are appropriate for new research
  • Evaluate the most appropriate design for a particular research question
  • Design a research proposal related to an approved topic
  • Apply knowledge of relevant human research ethics principles and recognise where ethical dilemmas may arise in human research

Teaching methods

Hawthorn Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Workshop
12.00 1 week 12
Online Contact (Phasing out)
Online Class
1.00 12 weeks 12
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various
3.00 12 weeks 36
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning
7.00 12 weeks 84
TOTAL144

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Literature ReviewIndividual 50% 
Research ProposalIndividual 50% 2,3,4 

Content

  • Designing evidence-informed research questions
  • Forensically relevant research designs
  • Human research ethics
  • Data collection and management
  • Research budgeting
  • Writing a research proposal
  • Presenting your research

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.