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Unit of study_

OLET5402: Basics of Quantitative Research Design

2023 unit information

We discuss the research process and three core concepts: variable, measurement and uncertainty. Variables are the building blocks of all quantitative studies. We describe their types, issues we face when deciding how to measure variables, and core differences between observational and experimental research. This unit will be of interest to students from different disciplines, from education and health to chemistry and engineering. You will come up with a simple study design, develop confidence in navigating quantitative research in general and improve interdisciplinary communication.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Health Sciences

Code OLET5402
Academic unit Health Sciences
Credit points 2
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Gain a broad perspective on research and appreciate its different types
  • LO2. Develop understanding of measurement and measurement uncertainty
  • LO3. Differentiate between experimental and observational studies in different research areas
  • LO4. Understand and apply the concepts of confounding and interaction
  • LO5. Develop the ability and confidence to analyze study designs in published research reports
  • LO6. Design and evaluate a simple quantitative study

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

There are no availabilities for this year.
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive June 2021
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive October 2022
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive October 2023
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.