Research Methods in Social Health

Subject 505-922 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Block

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Five one-day sessions across semester, including a one-day workshop where students present and gain feedback on their research proposal.
Total Time Commitment: Students should expect a total time commitment outside the stated contact hours of at least three hours for each hour of contact in this subject.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: 505-921 Principles of Qualitative Research Design
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Lynn Heather Gillam, Assoc Prof Marilys Guillemin

Contact

Centre for Health and Society

School of Population Health

Subject Overview:

This subject provides training in research methods for qualitative and literature-based social and ethical research. A core component of this subject is training in analytic thinking and in the development of a research proposal. Students will also have the opportunity to gain training in empirical social research methods, such as in-depth interviews and focus groups. Students will be expected to participate in exercises designed to enhance skills and techniques. They will also be expected to participate in the analysis and criticism of each other’s research proposal, providing feedback in the refinement of the research design.


Objectives: On completion of this subject, students should:
• Have relevant training in social health research methods
• Be able to critically evaluate the relationship between research design and research methods;
• Be able to solve problems in research practice;
• Be able to develop a detailed proposal for their research topic.
Assessment: Completion of two research methods exercises of up to 1500 words in total, due mid-semester (15% each) and completion of a detailed research proposal up to 3500 words due at the end of semester (70%).
Prescribed Texts: Liamputtong, P. & Ezzy, D. (2006) (2nd ed) Qualitative research methods Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Recommended Texts: A detailed book of readings will be available for purchase.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, students should have:
  • Developed relevant social research methods skills
  • Refined analytic skills needed to plan and critically evaluate a research proposal
  • Developed the ability to plan their own research work
  • Developed strategies for dealing with problems that arise in the planning and conduct of research
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:

This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health.

Related Course(s): Master of Adolescent Health && Welfare
Master of Public Health
Master of Social Health (Aboriginal Health)
Master of Social Health (Health Ethics)
Master of Social Health (Health Policy)
Master of Social Health (Interdisciplinary)
Master of Social Health (Medical Anthropology)

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