Unit information: Research Methods in 2008/09

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Unit name Research Methods
Unit code PHEDM4011
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Ken Fox
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department School for Policy Studies
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This course introduces basic principles of research methods and various research designs. Essential scientific themes addressed include basic statistics, epidemiology research, quantitative research, qualitative research, validity, reliability, and research ethics. Students are also guided on how to read and critique peer-reviewed published research articles. This course also prepares the student for the planning, design, conduct, evaluation and reporting of a research project. Various assessment methods used in physical activity, nutrition, public health, and health promotion research and evaluation are introduced, including mental health and well-being, physical fitness, physical activity, and nutrition. Applications are presented to guide the student toward their own scientific investigation. Applications of appropriate statistical analyses to various research designs are also explored. The content is directly relevant to a career in public health, health promotion, research and/or academia.

Aims:

  • To introduce students to fundamental concepts in research design, data collection, analysis and reporting of results, from a variety of research perspectives.
  • To enable students to formulate a high quality research proposal within their chosen methodological approach.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  1. Illustrate an understanding basic statistical terms and concepts, and compare and contrast the research-related concepts and methods used in the fields of physical activity and nutrition.
  2. Distinguish features of epidemiology research, quantitative research, qualitative research, validity, and reliability.
  3. Evaluate the necessity of adhering to research ethics, and examine ethical considerations applicable to physical activity and nutrition research.
  4. Perform critical analyses of scientific publications identified from the physical activity and nutrition literature.

Teaching Information

The main teaching method is face-to-face lectures plus small group learning activities and student presentations. Teaching takes place across four 1-day visits across 4 weeks equivalent to ~ 5 hours of taught time per day.

Assessment Information

Assessment is through the completion of one written assignment that includes mathematical problems, drawing of standard curve based on a given data set, critical analysis of published research articles, and brief essays equivalent to 4000 words and is directly related to the learning outcomes. Students are required to show an in-depth understanding of the unit at a level consistent with a Master’s degree.

Reading and References

  • Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K, and Silverman, S. (2005). Research Methods in Physical Activity. 5th Edition. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
  • Bonita, R., Beaglehole, R., and Kjellström, T. (2006). Basic Epidemiology. 2nd Edition. Switzerland: WHO Press.
  • Dishman, R.K., Health, G., and Washburn, R.A. (2004). Physical Activity Epidemiology. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
  • Field, A. (2005). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. 2nd Edition. London: Sage Publications.
  • Brace, N., Kemp, R., and Snelgar, R. (2006). SPSS for Psychologists. 3rd Edition. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

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