This course observes the four main philosophies behind research approaches to shed light on the purpose of social science research associated with these philosophies, to encourage PhD students to weigh the strengths and benefits of quantitative and qualitative research to apply to their projects. The course provides hands-on, practical learning to PhD students on the foundations of statistical analysis and application, as used in social science research and purpose. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning on analysing data from widely-used data websites to apply lessons regarding when, how, and what data to use. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Distinguish between the philosophies that guide the epistemology of knowledge.
2. Situate and explain research in the broader literature, discipline, and research philosophy.
3. Understand and apply quantitative statistical analysis and inference.
4. Critically evaluate and explain data operationalisation, quality, fit, measurement, and reliability.
5. Build critical foundations for additional in-depth qualitative or quantitative skill development.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos 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/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Foundational overview of quantitative research designwe consider the foundation of quantitative research and the implications for research designs and standards. We learn how to pose a focused quantitative research question and explore the principles of causal thinking. We cover how to turn your research question into practical components that can be measured in some way. We identify and discuss different data sources.
2	Lab session 1 In our first lab session we create two small datasets (n=15) in Excel. We import the datasets into SPSS; assign variable types, labels, values; and join the two datasets using a common unique identifier.
3	Measurements and Descriptive StatisticsThis session covers elementary terms and techniques of data analysis. Using examples from a range of publications we discuss different types of data and what they mean for analysis. You will be given an introduction in the use of relational and summary measures.This session also includes group work on drafting a briefing on levels of trust of institutions among Australian adults, using data from Essential Report. The aim of this activity is to give you experience with interpreting data, and constructing narratives from it.
4	Lab session 2In this session you’ll be provided with a confidentialised subset of a survey data and are asked to provide a descriptive analysis.
5	Analysis of relationship between variables (Crosstabs and ANOVA)This session covers techniques to evaluate group differences. The first part of this session covers contingency tables, aka crosstabs. Crosstabs are useful in providing a picture of the interrelation between categorical variables and to find interaction between them.  The second part of this session covers ANOVA (analysis of variance) a technique and statistical test used to establish and quantify differences between the means of continuous measures of two or more groups.
6	Lab session 3Using the survey data you will provide an analysis, using crosstabs and ANOVA.
7	Analysis of relationship between variables (correlation and regression analysis)In this session we continue with our non-technical basic introduction to data analysis by learning how to make use of and interpret correlation and regression analysis. Correlation analysis useful for quantifying the association between two continuous variables, while regression analysis is useful for modelling relationships between two or more variables.
8	Lab session 4Using the survey data you will provide a regression analysis.
9	Mixed Methods Research (MMR)In this session we turn to MMR. With the popularisation of MMR has come realisation that there are many ways to think about and practise the integration of different data sources and analysis. First we cover the foundations and a framework for understanding and undertaking integrated analyses in mixed methods inquiry. Next we focus on different designs for integration.
10	Lab session 5We start this lab session with a mini lecture on logistic regression analysis. Then, using the survey data you will provide a logistic regression analysis.
11	Multivariate statistical techniquesThis session gives an overview of statistical techniques beyond regression analysis, namely: QCA; principle component and factor analysis; cluster analysis; SEM; survival and time-series analysis; and network analysis. We will discuss which of these methods are best to answer different types of research questions, and which statistical methods would best answer your research question.
12	Lab session 6Presentations of Assessment Task 6: 10 minute in-class presentation followed by a 10 minutes Q&A based on one of the Additional readings for Session 11.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Class participation	10 %	14/08/2023	18/08/2023	1,2,3,4
PhD research project - outline of methodological approach	10 %	03/08/2023	05/08/2023	1,2,3,4
PhD research project - detail of methodological approach	30 %	06/08/2023	18/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Descriptive analysis report	10 %	08/08/2023	09/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Bivariate analysis report	10 %	10/08/2023	11/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Association vs regression	10 %	11/08/2023	12/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Class presentation and 750 words precis on a selected reading	20 %	13/08/2023	18/08/2023	1,2,3,4

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills 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

Class participation

To receive the maximum marks available for this assessment item, students need to:

·  ask at least two questions during a classroom session during the course; OR

·  make at least two comments?during a classroom session during the course; OR

·  suggest at least two examples of a concept or problem?during a classroom session during the course. 

Assessment Task 2

PhD research project - outline of methodological approach

Write up answers to the following questions based on your PhD research project, and be prepared to discuss in class:

·  Which discipline(s) does your research fall within?

·  What methods are commonly used in the discipline of your research area?

·  Which philosophy of research are most suited to answer your research question(s)?

·  What research methodology will you be pursuing? Why?

This should be submitted online on Turnitin

Assessment Task 3

PhD research project - detail of methodological approach

In 750 words write up answers to the following questions based on your PhD research project, and be prepared to discuss in class:

·  What are the main concepts in your research question?

·  How do you collect or access the data?

·  What are the sources of data for your research? (i.e. using existing data sets or collecting new data)?

·   If using existing data, discuss:

a.  how you will arrange access,

b.  metadata description,

c.  sample design,

d.  data collection instrument,

e.  sufficient variation in variables,

f.   satisfactory operationalisation of the concepts in your research question

·    If developing a new dataset:

a.  How would you collect your new data?

b.  That is your study population?

c.  What type of sampling will you use?

d.  How will you operationalize each concept in your research question?

·    What are the pros and limitations of your selected strategy for data acquisition?

·    In what ways does your data collection affect the results?

This should be submitted online on Turnitin

Assessment Task 4

Descriptive analysis report

Provide a brief descriptive analysis (2 pages), using tables, graphs, and text to report on measure of central tendency and dispersion of selected variables in your project. You can use your own data or the data given by instructor for class exercises.

This should be submitted online on Turnitin.

Assessment Task 5

Bivariate analysis report

Provide a simple bivariate analysis report (2 pages), using tables, graphs, and text to report on the relationship between selected variables in your project. You can use your own data or the data given by instructor for class exercises.

This should be submitted online on Turnitin.

Assessment Task 6

Association vs regression

In 300 words identify and discuss the main differences between measures of association and regression. You are encouraged to texturize your essay by using your PhD project or published research. 

This should be submitted online on Turnitin.

Assessment Task 7

Class presentation and 750 words precis on a selected reading

This assessment is one 10 minute in-class presentation based on one of the readings (under Additional readings for session 11) flowed by a Q&A. A 750-word precis should accompany your presentation. This should be submitted online on Turnitin the day before you are presenting.

It is the student's responsibility to choose a reading and advise the lecturer by 7 August 2023. The presentation and precise is to engage with and examine the issues/method, including its strength and weakness and when it is appropriate to use. The emphasis of the presentation and precis is to show that you understand the selected method.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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 not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• 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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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.

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 Access 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 all ANU students