HLN707 Research Methods in Health
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: | HLN707 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Equivalent(s): | HLQ707 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Content of HLN710 or PUN105 or HLN405 or PUN106 or PUN230 is assumed knowledge |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,216 |
| International unit fee | $4,668 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | HLN707 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | HLQ707 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Content of HLN710 or PUN105 or HLN405 or PUN106 or PUN230 is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Jerico Pardosi | jerico.pardosi@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The purpose of this unit is to help you plan your research and develop a viable and ethical research proposal OR review protocol, which will prepare you to undertake independent study (12 Credit points) OR research project (24 Credit points) OR dissertation (48 Credit points) or acts as a stand-alone research unit for 'scholar-practitioners'. This unit will provide clinicians, health practitioners and health managers the supported experience of becoming a scholar-practitioner and able to link their research knowledge with practice. You will learn how to apply theoretical and methodological rigour to their work in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Generate a focused research question based on identified gaps in current knowledge.
- Justify your choice of appropriate research methodology and methods.
- Assess the ethical considerations of your research.
- Generate and communicate a robust research proposal or review protocol applying the methodological principles of rigorous research design.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- Introduction to research methods in health
- What is a literature review?
- Developing a search strategy
- Reviews - Quantitative Synthesis
- Reviews - Qualitative Synthesis
- methodological quality of studies in reviews
- Reporting methods
- Reviews - mixed methods
- Health research in practice (Community-based participatory research)
- Ethics in Health Research
- Writing a research proposal/review protocol
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- lectures - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available.
- workshops - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available. These include support from the Public Health and Social Work librarians
- small group interdisciplinary and interprofessional discussions (on-campus and online)
- consultations (on-campus and online)
The unit learning materials are taught and discussed in the first 11 weeks of semester. The last two weeks are for independent study to finalise your research proposal/review protocol.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with case examples and your own research enquiry. You will develop high order thinking and research skills in a consultative environment which will foster enquiry and informed debate about a range of research issues.
The unit will emphasise the practical resources for health research which are readily available from the internet, databases or sources commonly available to most clinicians. You will undertake a hands-on systematic and thorough literature search about your research enquiry guided by expert researchers and the public health liaison librarian.
To develop research proficiency, you are encouraged to undertake systematic investigations and to utilise evidence-based decision making. Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. Virtual technologies and Canvas communication tools are used to maximise shared learning, simulate research team work and build on the diversity of experiences the group brings to the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with timely and constructive feedback by:
- Assessment items with comments written in the body and an overall comment on the Grading Sheet (either online or as a Hard Copy).
- Comprehensive generic feedback posted on Canvas
- Formative feedback on the Expression of intent
- Informal feedback from peers and teaching staff in workshops and group discussions
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
Assessment
Overview
The Search Strategy and Research Proposal/Review Protocol are summative tasks. The purpose of summative assessment is on determining the outcome of your learning and comparison with benchmarks. The Search Strategy will draw on what you have learnt about identifying evidence and enable you to determine if there is enough evidence to continue with the research topic. The Research Proposal/Review Protocol will build on the Search Strategy and all the unit learning materials about research methodologies and methods to propose in detail the research/review you will undertake in a later capstone unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Search strategy
In this assessment you will take on the role of a researcher to develop a search strategy for a research question. You are required to justify the need to research a specific health issue or problem, develop an answerable research question and objectives, a succinct and focused review of the current evidence, and outline an appropriate study design, and, if applicable, the underlying theoretical framework. The audience will be a group of researchers or other experts in the field.
You will develop a search strategy by using your tentative research question on a particular topic that is relevant to your discipline including a comprehensive description of your analysis of the current evidence (for example, search strategy, studies selection, critical appraisal, data extraction tables and summary of findings).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Find and generate: You are able to find and generate needed information/data using appropriate methodology relevant to your focused research question.
- Evaluate and reflect: You are able to determine and critique the degree of credibility of selected sources and information that would help you to formulate your research question.
- Organise and manage: You are able to organise information and data to reveal patterns and themes, and research processes.
- Embark and clarify: You are able to respond to or initiate research and clarify or determine what knowledge is required, heeding ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal or review protocol
Continuing in your role as a researcher, you will develop a structured research proposal OR review protocol that will expand upon Assessment 1 into a defensible research proposal/review protocol including a description of the proposed research methodology, brief justification of methods, consideration of ethical issues, and establish a timeline for completing your research (in the later capstone unit: Research Project, Internship or Dissertation).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
- Communicate and apply: You are able to discuss, listen, write, present and perform the processes, understandings and applications of the research methodologies and methods in health, including responding to feedback, and accounting for ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
1. Liamputtong, Pranee (2016) Research Methods in Health: Foundation for Evidence-Based Practice, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. This is the 3rd Edition, but if you can't get hold of it use the 2nd edition.
2. Punch, K.F. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
3. Boland, A., Cherry, M.G., & Dickson (2017). Doing a Systematic Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
4. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
Other
Bibliographic referencing software:
The use of Endnote, available through a university license with QUT is highly recommended.
Risk Assessment Statement
Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
ACHSM Master Health Service Management Competency Framework 2022
A.a): Action - Communication
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.b): Action - Relationship Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.e): Action - Project Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.a): Enabling - Health Leadership and Ethical Behaviour
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.b): Enabling - Impact and Influence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.c): Enabling - Health Systems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.d): Enabling - Self-awareness and Self-confidence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.e): Enabling - Professionalism
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.f): Enabling - Change Leadership
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | HLN707 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | HLQ707 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Content of HLN710 or PUN105 or HLN405 or PUN106 or PUN230 is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
The purpose of this unit is to help you plan your research and develop a viable and ethical research proposal OR review protocol, which will prepare you to undertake independent study (12 Credit points) OR research project (24 Credit points) OR dissertation (48 Credit points) or acts as a stand-alone research unit for 'scholar-practitioners'. This unit will provide clinicians, health practitioners and health managers the supported experience of becoming a scholar-practitioner and able to link their research knowledge with practice. You will learn how to apply theoretical and methodological rigour to their work in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Generate a focused research question based on identified gaps in current knowledge.
- Justify your choice of appropriate research methodology and methods.
- Assess the ethical considerations of your research.
- Generate and communicate a robust research proposal or review protocol applying the methodological principles of rigorous research design.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- Introduction to research methods in health
- What is a literature review?
- Developing a search strategy
- Reviews - Quantitative Synthesis
- Reviews - Qualitative Synthesis
- methodological quality of studies in reviews
- Reporting methods
- Reviews - mixed methods
- Health research in practice (Community-based participatory research)
- Ethics in Health Research
- Writing a research proposal/review protocol
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- lectures - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available.
- workshops - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available. These include support from the Public Health and Social Work librarians
- small group interdisciplinary and interprofessional discussions (on-campus and online)
- consultations (on-campus and online)
The unit learning materials are taught and discussed in the first 11 weeks of semester. The last two weeks are for independent study to finalise your research proposal/review protocol.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with case examples and your own research enquiry. You will develop high order thinking and research skills in a consultative environment which will foster enquiry and informed debate about a range of research issues.
The unit will emphasise the practical resources for health research which are readily available from the internet, databases or sources commonly available to most clinicians. You will undertake a hands-on systematic and thorough literature search about your research enquiry guided by expert researchers and the public health liaison librarian.
To develop research proficiency, you are encouraged to undertake systematic investigations and to utilise evidence-based decision making. Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. Virtual technologies and Canvas communication tools are used to maximise shared learning, simulate research team work and build on the diversity of experiences the group brings to the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with timely and constructive feedback by:
- Assessment items with comments written in the body and an overall comment on the Grading Sheet (either online or as a Hard Copy).
- Comprehensive generic feedback posted on Canvas
- Formative feedback on the Expression of intent
- Informal feedback from peers and teaching staff in workshops and group discussions
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
Assessment
Overview
The Search Strategy and Research Proposal/Review Protocol are summative tasks. The purpose of summative assessment is on determining the outcome of your learning and comparison with benchmarks. The Search Strategy will draw on what you have learnt about identifying evidence and enable you to determine if there is enough evidence to continue with the research topic. The Research Proposal/Review Protocol will build on the Search Strategy and all the unit learning materials about research methodologies and methods to propose in detail the research/review you will undertake in a later capstone unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Search strategy
In this assessment you will take on the role of a researcher to develop a search strategy for a research question. You are required to justify the need to research a specific health issue or problem, develop an answerable research question and objectives, a succinct and focused review of the current evidence, and outline an appropriate study design, and, if applicable, the underlying theoretical framework. The audience will be a group of researchers or other experts in the field.
You will develop a search strategy by using your tentative research question on a particular topic that is relevant to your discipline including a comprehensive description of your analysis of the current evidence (for example, search strategy, studies selection, critical appraisal, data extraction tables and summary of findings).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Find and generate: You are able to find and generate needed information/data using appropriate methodology relevant to your focused research question.
- Evaluate and reflect: You are able to determine and critique the degree of credibility of selected sources and information that would help you to formulate your research question.
- Organise and manage: You are able to organise information and data to reveal patterns and themes, and research processes.
- Embark and clarify: You are able to respond to or initiate research and clarify or determine what knowledge is required, heeding ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal or review protocol
Continuing in your role as a researcher, you will develop a structured research proposal OR review protocol that will expand upon Assessment 1 into a defensible research proposal/review protocol including a description of the proposed research methodology, brief justification of methods, consideration of ethical issues, and establish a timeline for completing your research (in the later capstone unit: Research Project, Internship or Dissertation).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
- Communicate and apply: You are able to discuss, listen, write, present and perform the processes, understandings and applications of the research methodologies and methods in health, including responding to feedback, and accounting for ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
1. Liamputtong, Pranee (2016) Research Methods in Health: Foundation for Evidence-Based Practice, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. This is the 3rd Edition, but if you can't get hold of it use the 2nd edition.
2. Punch, K.F. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
3. Boland, A., Cherry, M.G., & Dickson (2017). Doing a Systematic Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
4. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
Other
Bibliographic referencing software:
The use of Endnote, available through a university license with QUT is highly recommended.
Risk Assessment Statement
Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
ACHSM Master Health Service Management Competency Framework 2022
A.a): Action - Communication
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.b): Action - Relationship Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.e): Action - Project Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.a): Enabling - Health Leadership and Ethical Behaviour
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.b): Enabling - Impact and Influence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.c): Enabling - Health Systems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.d): Enabling - Self-awareness and Self-confidence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.e): Enabling - Professionalism
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.f): Enabling - Change Leadership
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | HLN707 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | HLQ707 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Content of HLN710 or PUN105 or HLN405 or PUN106 or PUN230 is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
The purpose of this unit is to help you plan your research and develop a viable and ethical research proposal OR review protocol, which will prepare you to undertake independent study (12 Credit points) OR research project (24 Credit points) OR dissertation (48 Credit points) or acts as a stand-alone research unit for 'scholar-practitioners'. This unit will provide clinicians, health practitioners and health managers the supported experience of becoming a scholar-practitioner and able to link their research knowledge with practice. You will learn how to apply theoretical and methodological rigour to their work in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Generate a focused research question based on identified gaps in current knowledge.
- Justify your choice of appropriate research methodology and methods.
- Assess the ethical considerations of your research.
- Generate and communicate a robust research proposal or review protocol applying the methodological principles of rigorous research design.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- Introduction to research methods in health
- What is a literature review?
- Developing a search strategy
- Reviews - Quantitative Synthesis
- Reviews - Qualitative Synthesis
- methodological quality of studies in reviews
- Reporting methods
- Reviews - mixed methods
- Health research in practice (Community-based participatory research)
- Ethics in Health Research
- Writing a research proposal/review protocol
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- lectures - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available.
- workshops - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available. These include support from the Public Health and Social Work librarians
- small group interdisciplinary and interprofessional discussions (on-campus and online)
- consultations (on-campus and online)
The unit learning materials are taught and discussed in the first 11 weeks of semester. The last two weeks are for independent study to finalise your research proposal/review protocol.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with case examples and your own research enquiry. You will develop high order thinking and research skills in a consultative environment which will foster enquiry and informed debate about a range of research issues.
The unit will emphasise the practical resources for health research which are readily available from the internet, databases or sources commonly available to most clinicians. You will undertake a hands-on systematic and thorough literature search about your research enquiry guided by expert researchers and the public health liaison librarian.
To develop research proficiency, you are encouraged to undertake systematic investigations and to utilise evidence-based decision making. Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. Virtual technologies and Canvas communication tools are used to maximise shared learning, simulate research team work and build on the diversity of experiences the group brings to the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with timely and constructive feedback by:
- Assessment items with comments written in the body and an overall comment on the Grading Sheet (either online or as a Hard Copy).
- Comprehensive generic feedback posted on Canvas
- Formative feedback on the Expression of intent
- Informal feedback from peers and teaching staff in workshops and group discussions
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
Assessment
Overview
The Search Strategy and Research Proposal/Review Protocol are summative tasks. The purpose of summative assessment is on determining the outcome of your learning and comparison with benchmarks. The Search Strategy will draw on what you have learnt about identifying evidence and enable you to determine if there is enough evidence to continue with the research topic. The Research Proposal/Review Protocol will build on the Search Strategy and all the unit learning materials about research methodologies and methods to propose in detail the research/review you will undertake in a later capstone unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Search strategy
In this assessment you will take on the role of a researcher to develop a search strategy for a research question. You are required to justify the need to research a specific health issue or problem, develop an answerable research question and objectives, a succinct and focused review of the current evidence, and outline an appropriate study design, and, if applicable, the underlying theoretical framework. The audience will be a group of researchers or other experts in the field.
You will develop a search strategy by using your tentative research question on a particular topic that is relevant to your discipline including a comprehensive description of your analysis of the current evidence (for example, search strategy, studies selection, critical appraisal, data extraction tables and summary of findings).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Find and generate: You are able to find and generate needed information/data using appropriate methodology relevant to your focused research question.
- Evaluate and reflect: You are able to determine and critique the degree of credibility of selected sources and information that would help you to formulate your research question.
- Organise and manage: You are able to organise information and data to reveal patterns and themes, and research processes.
- Embark and clarify: You are able to respond to or initiate research and clarify or determine what knowledge is required, heeding ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal or review protocol
Continuing in your role as a researcher, you will develop a structured research proposal OR review protocol that will expand upon Assessment 1 into a defensible research proposal/review protocol including a description of the proposed research methodology, brief justification of methods, consideration of ethical issues, and establish a timeline for completing your research (in the later capstone unit: Research Project, Internship or Dissertation).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
- Communicate and apply: You are able to discuss, listen, write, present and perform the processes, understandings and applications of the research methodologies and methods in health, including responding to feedback, and accounting for ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
1. Liamputtong, Pranee (2016) Research Methods in Health: Foundation for Evidence-Based Practice, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. This is the 3rd Edition, but if you can't get hold of it use the 2nd edition.
2. Punch, K.F. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
3. Boland, A., Cherry, M.G., & Dickson (2017). Doing a Systematic Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
4. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
Other
Bibliographic referencing software:
The use of Endnote, available through a university license with QUT is highly recommended.
Risk Assessment Statement
Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
ACHSM Master Health Service Management Competency Framework 2022
A.a): Action - Communication
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.b): Action - Relationship Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.e): Action - Project Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.a): Enabling - Health Leadership and Ethical Behaviour
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.b): Enabling - Impact and Influence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.c): Enabling - Health Systems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.d): Enabling - Self-awareness and Self-confidence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.e): Enabling - Professionalism
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.f): Enabling - Change Leadership
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | HLN707 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Completion of 48 credit points of study |
| Equivalent: | HLQ707 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Content of HLN710 or PUN105 or HLN405 or PUN106 or PUN230 is assumed knowledge. |
Overview
The purpose of this unit is to help you plan your research and develop a viable and ethical research proposal OR review protocol, which will prepare you to undertake independent study (12 Credit points) OR research project (24 Credit points) OR dissertation (48 Credit points) or acts as a stand-alone research unit for 'scholar-practitioners'. This unit will provide clinicians, health practitioners and health managers the supported experience of becoming a scholar-practitioner and able to link their research knowledge with practice. You will learn how to apply theoretical and methodological rigour to their work in practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Generate a focused research question based on identified gaps in current knowledge.
- Justify your choice of appropriate research methodology and methods.
- Assess the ethical considerations of your research.
- Generate and communicate a robust research proposal or review protocol applying the methodological principles of rigorous research design.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- Introduction to research methods in health
- What is a literature review?
- Developing a search strategy
- Reviews - Quantitative Synthesis
- Reviews - Qualitative Synthesis
- methodological quality of studies in reviews
- Reporting methods
- Reviews - mixed methods
- Health research in practice (Community-based participatory research)
- Ethics in Health Research
- Writing a research proposal/review protocol
Learning Approaches
In this unit you will learn by engaging with the following:
- lectures - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available.
- workshops - delivered on-campus and live streamed. Recordings are available. These include support from the Public Health and Social Work librarians
- small group interdisciplinary and interprofessional discussions (on-campus and online)
- consultations (on-campus and online)
The unit learning materials are taught and discussed in the first 11 weeks of semester. The last two weeks are for independent study to finalise your research proposal/review protocol.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking interactive lectures and small group discussions with case examples and your own research enquiry. You will develop high order thinking and research skills in a consultative environment which will foster enquiry and informed debate about a range of research issues.
The unit will emphasise the practical resources for health research which are readily available from the internet, databases or sources commonly available to most clinicians. You will undertake a hands-on systematic and thorough literature search about your research enquiry guided by expert researchers and the public health liaison librarian.
To develop research proficiency, you are encouraged to undertake systematic investigations and to utilise evidence-based decision making. Your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications of that knowledge, as expressed in the unit learning outcomes, will be assessed. Virtual technologies and Canvas communication tools are used to maximise shared learning, simulate research team work and build on the diversity of experiences the group brings to the unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with timely and constructive feedback by:
- Assessment items with comments written in the body and an overall comment on the Grading Sheet (either online or as a Hard Copy).
- Comprehensive generic feedback posted on Canvas
- Formative feedback on the Expression of intent
- Informal feedback from peers and teaching staff in workshops and group discussions
- Informal feedback during individual consultations, by appointment in person or virtually.
Assessment
Overview
The Search Strategy and Research Proposal/Review Protocol are summative tasks. The purpose of summative assessment is on determining the outcome of your learning and comparison with benchmarks. The Search Strategy will draw on what you have learnt about identifying evidence and enable you to determine if there is enough evidence to continue with the research topic. The Research Proposal/Review Protocol will build on the Search Strategy and all the unit learning materials about research methodologies and methods to propose in detail the research/review you will undertake in a later capstone unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Search strategy
In this assessment you will take on the role of a researcher to develop a search strategy for a research question. You are required to justify the need to research a specific health issue or problem, develop an answerable research question and objectives, a succinct and focused review of the current evidence, and outline an appropriate study design, and, if applicable, the underlying theoretical framework. The audience will be a group of researchers or other experts in the field.
You will develop a search strategy by using your tentative research question on a particular topic that is relevant to your discipline including a comprehensive description of your analysis of the current evidence (for example, search strategy, studies selection, critical appraisal, data extraction tables and summary of findings).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Find and generate: You are able to find and generate needed information/data using appropriate methodology relevant to your focused research question.
- Evaluate and reflect: You are able to determine and critique the degree of credibility of selected sources and information that would help you to formulate your research question.
- Organise and manage: You are able to organise information and data to reveal patterns and themes, and research processes.
- Embark and clarify: You are able to respond to or initiate research and clarify or determine what knowledge is required, heeding ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Proposal or review protocol
Continuing in your role as a researcher, you will develop a structured research proposal OR review protocol that will expand upon Assessment 1 into a defensible research proposal/review protocol including a description of the proposed research methodology, brief justification of methods, consideration of ethical issues, and establish a timeline for completing your research (in the later capstone unit: Research Project, Internship or Dissertation).
By completing this assignment you will demonstrate the following research capabilities:
- Analyse and synthesise: You are able to analyse information/data critically and synthesise new knowledge to produce coherent individual/team understandings relevant to your research topic and question.
- Communicate and apply: You are able to discuss, listen, write, present and perform the processes, understandings and applications of the research methodologies and methods in health, including responding to feedback, and accounting for ethical, cultural, social and team considerations.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
1. Liamputtong, Pranee (2016) Research Methods in Health: Foundation for Evidence-Based Practice, South Melbourne: Oxford University Press. This is the 3rd Edition, but if you can't get hold of it use the 2nd edition.
2. Punch, K.F. (2016) Developing Effective Research Proposals (3rd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
3. Boland, A., Cherry, M.G., & Dickson (2017). Doing a Systematic Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
4. Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2016). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review (2nd Edition). South Melbourne: Sage.
Other
Bibliographic referencing software:
The use of Endnote, available through a university license with QUT is highly recommended.
Risk Assessment Statement
Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
ACHSM Master Health Service Management Competency Framework 2022
A.a): Action - Communication
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.b): Action - Relationship Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
A.e): Action - Project Management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.a): Enabling - Health Leadership and Ethical Behaviour
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.b): Enabling - Impact and Influence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.c): Enabling - Health Systems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.d): Enabling - Self-awareness and Self-confidence
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.e): Enabling - Professionalism
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
E.f): Enabling - Change Leadership
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU80 Master of Health, Safety and Environment
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of an advanced body of theoretical and practical knowledge and emerging challenges within the fields of occupational and environmental health/management
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Demonstrate advanced skills and abilities to describe, appraise and apply the major tools and systems of OHS and EH practice and research to identify and manage complex problems
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Integrate and synthesise complex knowledge and apply critical and reflective thinking to advance the discipline’s body of research.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Work independently and in teams to interpret and communicate complex scientific, legal and psychosocial data and present it in a format that is easy to understand
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Research Proposal or review protocol
PU87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Search strategy, Research Proposal or review protocol