This course provides the student with the principles of qualitative approaches to health research. A core component of this course is training in analytic thinking as it is applied to qualitative methodologies and health research more generally. Students will acquire knowledge in the foundations of qualitative research as well as practical qualitative methods, such as interviews, observation, document analysis and focus groups. Students will be expected to participate in exercises designed to enhance skills and techniques throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand the qualitative approach in health research;
2. Evaluate qualitative and mixed methods research;
3. Understand the relationship between research design and research methods;
4. Conduct their own qualitative research;
5. Develop a detailed qualitative research proposal.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to qualitative methodologies and research design using qualitative methods. In addition to readings and lectures, students will design and pilot a research project during the semester.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments on assessment pieces
• discussion in class
• feedback to whole class (face-to-face and online via Wattle)

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

This class will be taught as a flipped classroom. Students are expected to complete the lectures and readings before class. Class (face-to-face and online) will include activities, discussion and questions.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Social and cultural understandings of health and wellbeing
2	Qualitative research in health
3	Research design in qualitative methodologies
4	Sampling strategies and ethics
5	Interview method
6	Interview method
7	Focus group method
8	Observational method
9	Text and visual methods
10	Data management and analysis
11	Data management and analysis
12	Writing a proposal

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Class engagement	5 %	*	*	1,2,3
Research journal	20 %	*	*	1,2,3
Pilot interview assignment	30 %	21/04/2022	*	1,3,4,5
Research proposal	45 %	10/06/2022	26/06/2022	1,3,4,5

* 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 Academic Integrity . 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

Class engagement

Your engagement in this class depends entirely on you. I will do my best to make the lectures and class activities a thought-provoking and engaging experience. It is up to you to engage with the lectures, activities, Wattle site and assignments. You will benefit from engagement because you’ll enjoy the class a great deal more, develop your understanding and learn from your peers. This class has 5% of the marks attached to engagement (this comes from participation in the face-to-face/zoom classes, weekly activities and the online research forum.

The date range for this task comprises the start to end of the semester.

Assessment Task 2

Research journal

Students will post a weekly research journal on Wattle. Your memo should provide critical reflection on the themes and issues covered in the required readings, lectures, and class activities. Many students write about the development of their pilot project and protocol. If you are struggling to think of what to write, you can follow the 3-2-1 structure -write about 3 things you learned this week, 2 things you still want to learn, and 1 question you have. The weekly journal post should be approximately 200-300 words. The memos should demonstrate a critical engagement with the course content and required readings rather than merely summarizing the main points. Completed each week and assessed at the end of each term. Term 1 due 6 April and Term 2 due 3 June. 

Assessment Task 3

Pilot interview assignment

This assignment allows students to begin developing their research proposal (assignment 3) and receive feedback. You will start to design your project and pilot one qualitative method - the interview method. In developing a draft of your qualitative project and piloting the interview method, students will be required to design a research question and interview schedule and to conduct one interview with a consenting participant. The final assignment should include a research question and methods section (interview), ethics section and critical reflection on your pilot (what worked well and what you would change). Your appendices will include the interview schedule and transcript. Due 21 April. Expected return date, 15 May.

Assessment Task 4

Research proposal

This assignment builds on assignment 2. Students will receive formative feedback from the lecturer on assignment 2 which should be incorporated into assignment 3. Using skills developed throughout the semester students will write a research proposal including five main sections detailing a brief introduction/literature review, study rationale, pilot findings, research design and ethics. Proposals will be approximately 3000 words in length. Due 10 June. Expected return date, June 26.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

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

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

Assignments will be returned via Wattle

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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

Resubmission is not permitted

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