This course is designed to give students an overview of the use of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods for social research. Quantitative methods focus on objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or from existing administrative sources. Qualitative methods, on the other hand, rely on more in depth analysis, and focus on direct observation and/or the analysis of words, images or other text. While many research questions can be answered by using either quantitative or qualitative research methods, most research questions seeking to understand complex social phenomena are best approached by using a mixed methods design.
This course summarises the key aspects of quantitative and qualitative mixed methods, and uses a number of example research projects to discuss how they can be combined to answer key social research questions. Upon completion, students will be able to design, evaluate and analyse data using mixed methods approaches to social research. No prior knowledge in either quantitative or qualitative research methods is assumed.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research methods;
2. evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods;
3. critique existing empirical research based on the choice of methodology;
4. differentiate between research questions which rely on cross-sectional survey data, longitudinal survey data, and qualitative data; and
5. design a mixed-methods research project on an important social research question.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Assessments should not exceed the assigned word (or time, where applicable) limit and should be formatted as per below: 

• Use the in-text American Psychological Association (APA) citation format (see for example http://guides.is.uwa.edu.au/apa). 
• Where applicable, number pages and use 1.5 spaced typing. 
• Always proofread your written work prior to submission.

Students must appropriately cite and reference all sources used in assessment. Failure to do so will result in formal consideration of poor academic performance and/or academic misconduct by the Course Convener. The Course Convener, when deemed necessary, will refer cases to the Academic Standards & Quality Office.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction
2	Social research techniques
3	Quantitative research – design and data
4	Quantitative research – analysis
5	Quantitative research – advanced analysis
6	Qualitative research – design and data	Data critique
7	Qualitative research – analysis
8	Mixing methods – design and data
9	Mixing methods – analysis	Oral critique
10	Research in action	Written critique
11	Communicating results
12	Conclusion and research futures
13	Non-teaching period	Research design

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Data critique	25 %	01/04/2019	18/04/2019	1, 2, 3
Research critique - oral	5 %	09/05/2019	14/05/2019	1, 2, 3
Research critique - written	25 %	16/05/2019	30/05/2019	1, 2
Mixed methods research design	40 %	03/06/2019	04/07/2019	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Class participation	5 %	31/05/2019	04/07/2019	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Data critique

The aim of this assessment (1,500 words) is for students to explain and evaluate data. The focus on is quantitative data rather than methods.

Students must choose either a data type (for example, from a survey or administrative by-product etc) OR data holding (for example, a survey or collection etc) and explain the purposes and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses.

This assessment is due Monday 1 April (by 11:59pm).

This assessment is to be completed in an essay or report format style and include headings/sub-headings.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The data critique is assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• General relevance and implications (including ethics)
• Referencing

1,500 words (excluding references)

(Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Assessment Task 2

Research critique - oral

The aim of the research critique is to equip students with the skills needed to evaluate research techniques - strengths and weaknesses - using real world research projects. Students provide an initial oral presentation of their work to gain feedback for the written component of this assessment area. 

Five-minute oral presentation using PowerPoint (or equivalent format) to present content to the class. 

The oral presentation seeks to mirror real-world experiences of critiquing research. Much like in the workplace. Student presentations will be made during tutorial time. 

Focus should be placed on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen research technique and its application and interpretation.  

Students can choose a technique of data collection OR analysis and this must be used for the oral and written assessments.

The focus of this assessment is qualitative approaches.

This assessment is due in class on 9 May, and uploaded to Wattle by 11:59pm on this date.

Five-minute oral presentation using PowerPoint (or equivalent format) to present content to the class. 

Referencing applies like all academic work.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The research critique, oral component, is assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• General relevance and implications (including ethics)
• Referencing

5 minutes talk time

(Work within ±10% time limit will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Assessment Task 3

Research critique - written

The research critique (written; 1,500 words) builds on the oral presentation. The aim of the work is to mirror real-world experiences of critiquing research, and to take on feedback and reflect this.

Focus should be placed on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the chosen research technique and its application and interpretation.  

Students can choose a technique of data collection OR analysis and this must be used for the oral and written assessments.

The focus of this assessment is qualitative approaches.

This assessment is due 16 May (by 11:59pm).

This assessment is to be completed in an essay or report format style and include headings/sub-headings.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The research critique, written component, is assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• General relevance and implications (including ethics)
• Referencing

1,500 words (excluding references)

(Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Assessment Task 4

Mixed methods research design

The mixed methods research design assessment (3,000 words) allows students to apply their course learning in a way to move beyond research concepts to practicalities. This assessment is intended to equip students with the skills to develop real-world research projects.

The purpose of this final written piece is to showcase student work from scoping, indicative instrument development and description of processes and collection of data. 

Students should provide literature to support their work from methodological and content perspectives. Ethical considerations should be identified and addressed. Methodological aspects of settings and question framing should be considered, as well as careful attention to why each type of data collection varies/is required. 

Students choose research topics/issues of interest in consultation with their course tutor.

This assessment is essentially a research proposal with emphasis on mixed methods approaches.

This assessment is due 3 Jun (by 11:59pm).

This assessment is to be completed in an essay or report format style and include headings/sub-headings. The format should reflect that of a research proposal.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

The mixed methods research design is assessed as follows:

• Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone
• Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion
• Application of appropriate research theories/methods
• General relevance and implications (including ethics)
• Referencing

3,000 words (excluding references)

(Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Assessment Task 5

Class participation

Students are expected to actively engage in class sessions by contributing to discussion.

Students should read the required weekly readings prior to lectures and come to class prepared to make contributions to discussions.

Class participation is designed to facilitate a collegial, participative learning environment where students are free to contribute ideas and challenge each other.

Marks will be awarded for active participation in and substantive contribution to each class session. Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked assessments and grades (including written feedback, where applicable) will be returned via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments is accepted. Students are encouraged to consult with the course lecturers about an assignment prior to the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students