Research and Evidence-Based Practice A
Overview
This unit will prepare students for evidence-based practice in dietetics and equip them with a critical appreciation of the strengths and limitations of different research and evaluation methods and study designs applicable to nutrition and dietetics practice. Students will get practical experience in conducting and writing different types of literature review and critique, evidence synthesis and practice guideline preparation. Students will learn research collaboration skills and begin a process of research mentoring that will continue across the four research and evidence-based practice units (A-D) throughout the Master of Dietetics.
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Design and implement literature search and review methods to conduct evidence-synthesis, literature reviews and in the development of evidence-based practice guidelines.
- Formulate clear research questions relevant to nutrition and dietetics practice.
- Identify research quality issues that affect quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.
- Interpret findings from the different types of research designs and methods commonly used in nutrition and dietetics, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Specified Activities Various | 5.00 | 12 weeks | 60 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 4.50 | 12 weeks | 54 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Presentation | Individual/Group | 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Report | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Principles of epidemiology and sampling methodology
- Principles of evidence based practice, including critical appraisal of the literature
- Systematic literature reviews
- Graduate Attribute 1 (Communication 1 - Verbal Communication)
- Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
- Graduate Attribute 3 (Teamwork 1 - Collaboration and negotiation)
- Graduate Attribute 4 (Teamwork 2 - Teamwork roles and processes)
- Graduate Attribute 5 (Digital Literacies 1 - Information literacy)
- Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.