Program Overview

Program Overview

The university program provided is for the unit HLSC646 - Qualitative Research Methods. This unit is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in qualitative research methods, preparing them to undertake research-based projects in healthcare.

Unit Rationale, Description, and Aim

The unit explores key qualitative research theoretical and paradigmatic frameworks, methodologies, methods, and ethical considerations, and their applications in health-related research. Students will engage with a range of qualitative research approaches, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, gaining an in-depth understanding of qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete this unit, students will be able to:

• Critically appraise theoretical underpinnings, strengths, and limitations in qualitative research
• Analyse and critically evaluate qualitative research methodologies and methods, and the role of the researcher within qualitative research
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of qualitative research design, including formulating research questions and aims; selecting methodologies and methods; applying ethical considerations that include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical guidelines; data management; and effective dissemination of research findings
• Apply knowledge of qualitative research design, including qualitative data gathering, management, analysis, and ethical considerations, to plan and justify a well-structured qualitative research project

Unit Content

The unit covers:

• Theoretical and paradigmatic frameworks in qualitative research
• Designing qualitative research
• Qualitative research methodologies (such as ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, action research, case study, qualitative descriptive research, historical and archival research, integration studies)
• Trustworthiness in qualitative research
• Ethical and legal risks
• Ethical conduct of research with human beings
• Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders
• Data collection methods (interviews, focus groups, participant observation, documents, surveys, reflective journaling, narrative/storytelling, text, visual, non-textual data)
• Data analysis methods
• Dissemination of results
• Data management

Assessment Strategy and Rationale

To pass this unit, students are required to submit three graded assessment tasks, demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, and obtain a minimum mark of 50%. The assessment strategy allows for the progressive development of knowledge and skills in relation to qualitative research methods.

Assessment Tasks

1. Weekly Participation Tasks - Online Quizzes: Enables students to demonstrate understanding of all qualitative research concepts addressed in this unit (20%).
2. Qualitative Research Proposal Brief (750 words): Enables students to demonstrate an understanding of developing research questions and aims, as well as correct alignment of qualitative research methodology and methods (30%).
3. Expanded Qualitative Research Proposal (2500 words): Enables students to develop a research proposal on the research topic identified in Assessment task 2, guided by a research proposal template and utilizing feedback from Assessment task 2 (50%).

Learning and Teaching Strategy and Rationale

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn and are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions.

Representative Texts and References

• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). (2020). AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research.
• Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M.D., & Cannella, G.S. (Eds.). (2023). The Sage handbook of qualitative research, (6th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications Inc.
• Greenhalgh, T.M., Bidewell, J., Crisp, E., Lambros, A., & Warland, J. (2023). Understanding Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice in Health (3rd Ed.). John Wiley & Sons Australia
• Jackson, D., Halcomb, E., & Walthall, H. (2023). Navigating the maze of research: Enhancing nursing and midwifery practice. (6th ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Mosby Elsevier.
• Liamputtong, P. (2021). Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice (4th Ed.) Oxford University Press ANZ

Locations and Credit Points

• Location: Online
• Credit Points: 10

Year

2026