Research Theory and Practice

Course aim

To provide students with an advanced understanding of the nature of knowledge and its pursuit through research and to equip them with the skills to propose and develop a research agenda.

Course content

Students will learn about why research is carried out and how undertaking it results in establishing facts, new knowledge being discovered and new conclusions being reached. They will gain an understanding that what they see as ‘real’ is influenced by the way they think this knowledge is created (ontology).  This will influence the choices they make as researchers about the research approach / design (i.e. methodology- quantitative, qualitative and mixed) and data collecting tools (methods) for their research (epistemology). They will learn how to write a literature review and the role it plays in identifying research aims, question/ hypothesis, data analysis and how to write a research proposal. The elements of reliable/ credible research, the ethics and work safety issues associated with research will also be explored.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	2 hours x 12 weeks
Workshop	2 hours x 12 weeks
Seminar (Consultation with Supervisor)	1 hour x 6 weeks
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Lecture	2 hours x 12 weeks
Workshop	2 hours x 12 weeks
Seminar (Consultation with Supervisor)	1 hour x 6 weeks
EXTERNAL, CITY EAST, ONLINE
External	4 hours x 12 weeks
Seminar (Consultation with Supervisor )	1 hour x 6 weeks
EXTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES, ONLINE
External	4 hours x 12 weeks
Seminar (Consultation with Supervisor )	1 hour x 6 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Report, Research assignment, Research proposal, Review

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.