OPN164 Research Methods in Optometry and Vision Science

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Optometrists and vision scientists need experience in research methods and statistical procedures and so that statistical techniques used in the optometric and vision science literature may be critically evaluated in the development of the evidence base of the profession. This unit leads into the later units, OPN264 Research Project and OPN361 Evidence Based Optometry.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Understand the philosophy behind the relationship between vision and eye research and evidence based optometry practice. Critically analyse research methods in ophthalmic literature.
2. Employ commonly used statistical procedures in optometry and vision science and illustrate limitations to statistical procedures and statistical errors.
3. Implement statistical analyses on sample data sets specific to vision and eye research to test hypotheses.
4. Design and propose a research plan addressing a research question in optometry and vision science.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is presented as a series of lectures and tutorials reviewing statistical methods applied in ophthalmic literature. There will be a 2 hour lecture (face-to-face) scheduled weekly and a 2 hour tutorial session (online and/or face-to-face) scheduled throughout the semester. You will learn how to perform statistical procedures using optometry and vision science data sets, and you will develop, write and present a proposal for a research project.

This unit provides skills and knowledge to critically evaluate the accuracy and validity of test results, appraise clinical theory, newly developed and existing techniques and technology in accordance with the Optometrists Association Australia Universal entry-level competency standards for Optometry (2008) in the competency standards (1) Professional Responsibilities and (4) Diagnosis.

Reference: Kiely PM. Optometrists Association Australia universal (entry-level) and therapeutic competency standards for Optometry 2008. Clinical and Experimental Optometry 2009; 92(4): 362-5, 366-86.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Statistical exercises done within tutorial sessions allow students to evaluate their own learning progress. Lecture sessions include a review of previous lecture material for student feedback on their understanding and also provide a background to the upcoming tutorials to enhance student engagement.

Assessment

Overview

Summative assessment consists of 3 elements. Formative assessment:
Formative assessment will include class discussions of statistical analyses and real research data. Tutorials will be organized around the development of research protocols to allow self- evaluation of progress and a group presentation of a research project proposal.

Satisfactory performance in each of the assessment items is a condition for passing this unit. The Faculty of Health Threshold Assessment Policy will apply where student performance in an assessment item is unsatisfactory.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Critique (written)

This is a written critical analysis and review of the methodological and statistical approach in a journal article or series of articles closely related to the student research project.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

Computational based data analysis of a provided data related to optometry and vision science set to test hypotheses.

Assessment: Research Paper Presentation

This assessment element requires the development of a research project proposal (50%) and presentation (10%).

The research project proposal component of this assessment is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry 2014

1: Professional Responsibilities

1. 
   Relates to: Critique (written), Problem Solving Task, Research Paper Presentation

Course Learning Outcomes

OP85 Master of Optometry

1. Theoretical optometric knowledge, cognitive, clinical and technical skills and research methodology in vision science
   Relates to: Critique (written), Problem Solving Task, Research Paper Presentation