EFB350 Data Capture and Research Design
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFB350 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 96 credit points of completed study |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,020 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,456 |
| International unit fee | $4,932 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFB350 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Benno Torgler | benno.torgler@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Behavioural science incorporates a range of universal and discipline specific-research methods and instruments. While most disciplines distinguish between quantitative and qualitative methods, few teach research design and data collection. Behavioural economics utilises the gamut of approaches to identify or generate/collect data for research. In this unit, students will learn and develop skills in a variety of research instruments, such as computer lab experiments and simulations, natural field experiments, online surveys, direct interviews, neurophysiological measures (e.g., heart rate variability), panel & longitudinal data, content analysis, priming, and audit studies, but to name a few. Students will also be introduced to and receive introductory training on analysing such data, using high-level research software packages.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the concepts, rationale, and process of a variety of research designs and methods used in behavioural research. [KS 1.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Come up with appropriate and rigorous research designs, conduct surveys and experiments to collect qualitive and quantitative data, and apply statistical techniques to interpret research findings. [KS 1.2, 2.1]
- Perform critical assessment of the appropriate use of research techniques by identifying their strengths and limitations in different context. [HO 2.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.2)
- Understand the importance of ethics and risk management in designing and conducting behavioural science research. [SE 5.1, 5.2]
- Work as a team to communicate research designs and methods effectively in written format. [PC 3.1, TS 4.2]
Content
Research type: descriptive, correlational, experimental, review, meta-analytic studies
Experimental design: Laboratory, field, and natural experiments, randomized controlled trial (RCT), audit studies
Survey development and design: online surveys, interviews, linguistic and content analysis
Software and tools: z-Tree, oTree, ORSEE (participant recruitment), Qualtric
Ethical considerations in behavioural research: Risks and benefits to participants, informed consent, opt out, privacy, anonymity and security concerns.
Neuro-psycho-physiological measures and biomarkers in behavioural research: Heart rate variability (HRV), eye-tracking, neural imaging, facial width-to-height-ratio (fWHR)
Introduction to computer simulation: Agent-based modelling (ABM)
Techniques to analyse observational data: quasi-experimental design, cross-sectional and longitudinal (panel) study, statistical methods
Reviews and meta-analytic: Replication, meta-analysis
Interpretation of results: selection bias, survivorship bias, correlation and causality, null result, Intention-to-treat analysis
Introduction to data sources commonly used in behavioural research: social and cultural norms, social media data, international surveys.
Learning Approaches
Students will participate in a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial each week in an interactive format. This unit applies a discussion-based and theory-to-practice approach to support learning of a variety of research designs and methods in behavioural research with applications with real-world scenarios.
This unit will introduce a range of software to students, from survey to experimental design to data analysis and visualisation. No prior command of the software or its language is assumed. Access to support workshops will be offered.
The required background readings will be placed on the Course Materials Database (CMD) and are expected to be completed prior to these sessions. Active participation during all sessions is strongly encouraged.
COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here. Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g., criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to whole class
Assessment
Overview
The two assessment items in this unit aim to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Applied Group Report
Students will work in groups and develop a report to address research questions based on real-world issues.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), TS (4.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Take Home Exam
Students will be asked to critically analyse the methodological issues outlined in a set of scenario-based questions. This is an individual assessment item to completed within 96 hours. The exam will test students' knowledge and understanding of all materials covered during the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Relevant readings will be placed on the Course Materials Database (CMD).
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Take Home Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | EFB350 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
Behavioural science incorporates a range of universal and discipline specific-research methods and instruments. While most disciplines distinguish between quantitative and qualitative methods, few teach research design and data collection. Behavioural economics utilises the gamut of approaches to identify or generate/collect data for research. In this unit, students will learn and develop skills in a variety of research instruments, such as computer lab experiments and simulations, natural field experiments, online surveys, direct interviews, neurophysiological measures (e.g., heart rate variability), panel & longitudinal data, content analysis, priming, and audit studies, but to name a few. Students will also be introduced to and receive introductory training on analysing such data, using high-level research software packages.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe the concepts, rationale, and process of a variety of research designs and methods used in behavioural research. [KS 1.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Come up with appropriate and rigorous research designs, conduct surveys and experiments to collect qualitive and quantitative data, and apply statistical techniques to interpret research findings. [KS 1.2, 2.1]
- Perform critical assessment of the appropriate use of research techniques by identifying their strengths and limitations in different context. [HO 2.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: HO (2.2)
- Understand the importance of ethics and risk management in designing and conducting behavioural science research. [SE 5.1, 5.2]
- Work as a team to communicate research designs and methods effectively in written format. [PC 3.1, TS 4.2]
Content
Research type: descriptive, correlational, experimental, review, meta-analytic studies
Experimental design: Laboratory, field, and natural experiments, randomized controlled trial (RCT), audit studies
Survey development and design: online surveys, interviews, linguistic and content analysis
Software and tools: z-Tree, oTree, ORSEE (participant recruitment), Qualtric
Ethical considerations in behavioural research: Risks and benefits to participants, informed consent, opt out, privacy, anonymity and security concerns.
Neuro-psycho-physiological measures and biomarkers in behavioural research: Heart rate variability (HRV), eye-tracking, neural imaging, facial width-to-height-ratio (fWHR)
Introduction to computer simulation: Agent-based modelling (ABM)
Techniques to analyse observational data: quasi-experimental design, cross-sectional and longitudinal (panel) study, statistical methods
Reviews and meta-analytic: Replication, meta-analysis
Interpretation of results: selection bias, survivorship bias, correlation and causality, null result, Intention-to-treat analysis
Introduction to data sources commonly used in behavioural research: social and cultural norms, social media data, international surveys.
Learning Approaches
Students will participate in a two-hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial each week in an interactive format. This unit applies a discussion-based and theory-to-practice approach to support learning of a variety of research designs and methods in behavioural research with applications with real-world scenarios.
This unit will introduce a range of software to students, from survey to experimental design to data analysis and visualisation. No prior command of the software or its language is assumed. Access to support workshops will be offered.
The required background readings will be placed on the Course Materials Database (CMD) and are expected to be completed prior to these sessions. Active participation during all sessions is strongly encouraged.
COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here. Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester, which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g., criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to whole class
Assessment
Overview
The two assessment items in this unit aim to support your achievement of the learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment);
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Applied Group Report
Students will work in groups and develop a report to address research questions based on real-world issues.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), TS (4.2), PC (3.1)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Take Home Exam
Students will be asked to critically analyse the methodological issues outlined in a set of scenario-based questions. This is an individual assessment item to completed within 96 hours. The exam will test students' knowledge and understanding of all materials covered during the semester.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1, 5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Relevant readings will be placed on the Course Materials Database (CMD).
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Take Home Exam
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Applied Group Report, Take Home Exam - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Take Home Exam - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Take Home Exam - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, Applied Group Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO4, Take Home Exam