Overview

This unit introduces students to the breadth of research methods used in Health Sciences. This unit explores the different research paradigms and methodologies (e.g. quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) used in health sciences research. Students will access, analyse, and interpret multiple forms of information used in health sciences, including publicly available health data, reports, and scientific literature. This unit also enables students to understand the implementation of evidence into practice.

Requisites

Prerequisites
STA10003 Foundations of Statistics
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
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Interpret, assess, and appraise scientific evidence and health-related reports that underpin health science practice and research
  • Distinguish and explain different research paradigms and research designs and/or methodologies used in health science research
  • Examine the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations for the different research methods used in health science research, including understanding culturally appropriate research practices for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
  • Select and apply appropriate analysis methods for the various types of data collected in health sciences
  • Formulate an appropriate research question, and develop and justify an appropriate protocol using the most appropriate research paradigm and ethical research practice

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Lecture		2.00 12 weeks 24
Live Online
Class		1.00 12 weeks 12
On-campus
Workshop		1.00 12 weeks 12
Specified Activities
Various		4.00 12 weeks 48
Unspecified Activities
Various		4.50 12 weeks 54
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Online QuizzesIndividual 40% 2,3,4 
Oral PresentationIndividual 20% 1,2,5 
Research ProposalGroup 40% 1,2,3,4,5 

Content

  • The different research paradigms
  • Qualitative methodology, methods, and analysis
  • Quantitative study design, methods, and analysis
  • Mixed methods research design and application
  • Research question formulation
  • Review and appraisal of evidence 
  • Research translation
  • Research techniques and protocol design from basic research to person-centred research
  • Ethical considerations and practices when conducting research

Study resources

Reading materials

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