The course introduces students to quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods used by the social sciences to study environment and development issues and problems. The course will increase students’ knowledge of how scholarly and applied research is designed and implemented, and will enable them to assess the quality of research required as an input into policy making.

The course considers questions of epistemology and the philosophy of science, and the implications of theory for the design of research. The course critically engages with the main features and methods for conducting quantitative and qualitative research. Understandings of the ethics of conducting and publishing scholarly research will be integrated throughout the course lectures and discussions.

Active student participation in learning will be promoted through teaching methods that include lectures, class discussions, computer lab sessions, tutorials, practical peer interactions, and an extended essay.

There is a 50% research component to this course.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Position research within major epistemologies and philosophies of knowledge.
2. Assess the rigour of research methodologies and practical methods.
3. Develop skills in devising research questions, and in matching questions with appropriate methodologies.
4. Apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods to a particular research problem.
5. Understand aspects of positionality and subjectivity in scholarly research.
6. Critically analyse, design and write research studies with attention to methodologies and methods.

Research-Led Teaching

The learning materials for this course are grounded in the research experience of the two lecturers. The course highlights both the theory and practical applications of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, for a critical understanding of environment-development problems, and translating research insights into public policy impact.

Required Resources

For weeks 1-6, focused on quantitative research methods, students are required to engage with a textbook and statistical analysis software. Both the text and software are freely available (thanks to pro-social researchers and practitioners) online.

• Textbook: Navarro, D.J. & Foxcroft, D.R. 2022, Learning statistics with jamovi: a tutorial for psychology students and other beginners (version 0.75). Available online here: https://www.learnstatswithjamovi.com/
• Software: The jamovi project (2022). jamovi (Version 2.3) [Computer Software]. Retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org. Available online (with download & installation instruction) here: https://www.jamovi.org/user-manual.html

Recommended Resources

Sample Qualitative Methods Sourcebooks:

Delyser, Dydia et al. (2010). "The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Geography." (Full text available through ANU online)

Scheyvens, Regina (2014). "Development Fieldwork: A Practical Guide." 2nd Edition. Sage Publications. (Full text available through ANU online)

Yin, Robert (2011). "Qualitative Research from Start to Finish." New York: Guilford Press.

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

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

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Introduction & Introduction to Quantitative Methods
2	Data Collection and Analysis using Descriptive Statistics
3	Data Analysis using Inferential Statistics
4	Hypothesis Testing. Simple Linear Regression
5	Multiple Linear Regression
6	Quantitative Case Study: Hydropower Dams & River Restoration
7	Qualitative Introduction: Paradigms in Qualitative Research
8	Environmental Discourses and Narratives
9	Ethnography
10	The Extended Case Study
11	Participatory Research Methods
12	Value Chain Analysis

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Data visualisation (15%)	15 %	12/03/2026	19/03/2026	1, 3, 4
Quantitative Analysis Project (35%)	35 %	07/04/2026	21/04/2026	1, 3, 4, 6
Ethnographic Interview and Peer Response (20% + 5%)	25 %	19/05/2026	26/05/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Final Qualitative Assignment: Conceptualisation and Operationalisation of a Qualitative Methodology (25%)	25 %	09/06/2026	03/07/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

* 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 Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

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 visualisation (15%)

A 2-page data visualisation and description using either jamovi or Datawrapper.

Assessment is based on course materials and resources provided in lectures and tutorials in weeks 1-2.

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

Assessment Task 2

Quantitative Analysis Project (35%)

Students will prepare a 1,500 word (not including figures, tables and references) policy brief based on a quantitative analysis of provided data. Further guidance will be provided in class.

Assessment is based on course materials and resources provided in lectures and tutorials in weeks 1-6

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

Assessment Task 3

Ethnographic Interview and Peer Response (20% + 5%)

There are two parts to this assignment. For the first part, students will plan and conduct an ethnographic interview with a class partner, dealing with an aspect of environmental management/development, drawn from a place or issue that their interview partner/research subject has personal experience or familiarity with. A 1,000-word interpretive ethnographic narrative will be crafted and submitted based on the interview. Assessment criteria available on Canvas.

For the second part, students will prepare a 3-minute video or audio podcast response, reflecting on how they experienced the interview process and how the themes of the interview were recorded, interpreted and written up by their interviewer/class partner.

The ethnographic interview is worth 20%. The peer response is worth 5%

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

Assessment Task 4

Final Qualitative Assignment: Conceptualisation and Operationalisation of a Qualitative Methodology (25%)

Building on the empirical topic and issue explored in Assessment Task 3 (Ethnographic Interview), students will produce a final 1,500-word qualitative assignment that sets out a clearly articulated and appropriately referenced epistemological and methodological approach to further investigating that issue. The assignment must draw on at least two other qualitative methods covered in the second half of the course (e.g. environmental narratives, participatory methods, extended case study, or value chain analysis). The assignment will be presented in essay format. Further guidance and assessment criteria available on Canvas.

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

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

The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

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 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.

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.

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