INQ700 Introduction to Research
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: | INQ700 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | Admission into IF49 or IF80 or IN10 or IN20 or IQ20 or IN27 or IN31 |
| Equivalent(s): | INN700 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,116 |
| International unit fee | $5,616 |
Unit Outline: Session 3 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | INQ700 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | Admission into IF49 or IF80 or IN10 or IN20 or IQ20 or IN27 or IN31 |
| Equivalent: | INN700 |
| Coordinator: | Wasana Bandara | w.bandara@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is aimed at students commencing a research project, a main purpose being to shepherd them through production of their first detailed research proposal/report in the topic area of their intended research, while also serving to orient them in their research efforts. Quality control and good project management are encouraged throughout the research project as is close attention to scope and issues management. Main items of assessment pertain to each student's unique, research project. Students review literature related to their research in depth and prepare a detailed proposal outlining the research problem, research question, research methodology, the significance of the research and the new knowledge that will be produced.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Search research databases and evaluate scholarly literature.
- Identify a research problem and formulate a well-defined research question(s).
- Plan a research project aligned to an established methodology
- Analyse data using appropriate research methodologies
- Write a well-structured and credible research report linking problem, process and outcomes.
- Apply appropriate research protocols including consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Content
This unit has been designed to provide foundational research knowledge and skills fundamental to research or evidence based professional work. Major topics include:
· the research process, including developing a research question, selecting an appropriate method, undestanding data collection and analysis;
· locating and critically evaluating relevant published research, including using GenAI for this purpose
· ethical issues of researching in professional settings;
· the relationship between research and practice and the role of research and development for innovation and best practice in organisations;
· the role and value of research to individual practitioners and the broader professional community;
· and scholarly communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
The methods and protocols introduced by this unit will be contextualised for diverse populations including First Nation Australians.
Learning Approaches
This unit is designed for asynchronous online study. The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, guided self-study, formal individual meetings, development of research project deliverables and formal presentations.
You will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback is given through timely return of assignments with comments, individual/study group stream meetings, consultation and ongoing ready access to the lecturer or tutors throughout.
Assessment
Overview
All assessments are submitted through Canvas. ALL assessment pertains to the student's own, unique research project.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Preliminary research report
The purpose of this assessment item is to provide you with the foundation of your research proposal by providing 1) the context of your given research topic and 2) a clear and concise research problem statement that has been justified by your analysis of the literature.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Student Presentation
This assessment item is in the form an individual student recorded presentation covering the essential elements of your research proposal: research problem, research question, research methodology, research outcomes and the new knowledge to be generated by the proposed research.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Research Report
This assessment item is in the form of a research report that describes your full research proposal based on the core elements: research problem, research question, research methodology, research outcomes and new knowledge.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
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
Nil
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.IQ20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Preliminary research report, Student Presentation - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Preliminary research report, Student Presentation, Research Report - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Preliminary research report, Student Presentation, Research Report - Demonstrate knowledge of IT research principles and methods and their application to IT focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, Preliminary research report, Student Presentation, Research Report - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO5, Research Report - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO6, Student Presentation, Research Report