Quantitative Research Methods

• • Introducing quantitative research methods and epidemiology
  • Understanding relationships between variables
  • Introducing main observational study designs
  • Measures of association, confounding and bias
  • Experimental design – randomized controlled trial
  • Data measurement scales
  • Displaying of quantitative data in tables and graphs
  • Measures of central tendency and variability
  • Stratification
  • Introducing basic steps in research planning
  • Accuracy, precision and bias of measurements
  • Introducing validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values
  • Ethics and integrity in research practice
  • Statistical distributions and hypothesis testing
  • Comparison of means of dependent and independent groups. Comparison of proportions.
  • Parametric and non-parametric tests
  • Correlation and Regression
  • Analysis of variance
  • Introducing SPSS

• Study resources

  • Instructional methods

    • Podcasting/Lecture capture
    • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
    • Overview Notes
    • Web links
    • Online assignment submission

  • Online materials

    • Printable format materials
    • Resources and Links
    • Online Assessment

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Elective

• ACU-LMH-MAS-2020
• ACU-MPH-MAS-2020

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject supports students in developing the ability to identify contemporary and relevant research questions, research design and research methods for quantitative data collection and analysis. Students will be supported to develop skills in analysing and synthesising complex information, including concepts and theories associated with quantitative research processes. Students will be supported to develop  advanced decision-making skills in response to emerging challenges in health care that require advanced knowledge and skill of descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as the ability to analyse research validity and reliability.

The aim of the subject is to develop students’ ability to use quantitative research methods in the context of health related research, in developing a quantitative research proposal and in report writing. 

To pass this unit, students are expected to submit three graded assessment tasks. In addition, students must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 50% across all assessments. The assessment strategy used allows for the progressive development of knowledge and skills in relation to quantitative research methods so that the students can demonstrate their preparedness to undertake a scholarly research-based project using a quantitative research approach. In order to develop their preparedness to undertake a quantitative research-based project, students need to develop a firm understanding of quantitative research methodology and associated terminology as well as methods of data collection and data analysis. The first assessment task supports students in articulating terminology relevant to quantitative research. The second assessment task enables students to demonstrate their understanding of quantitative research methodology and to extend their knowledge by providing responses to research-based questions from the lecturer and peers. The final assessment task supports students in the development of a research proposal using quantitative research methodology. This enables students to demonstrate an understanding of the various elements of a research proposal and their knowledge of quantitative research methodology applicable to undertaking research in the health care environment.

• Short-Answer Test (35%)
• Workbook (35%)
• Quantitative Research Proposal (30%)