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Unit of study_

OLET5402: Basics of Quantitative Research Design

Intensive October, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Unit code OLET5402
Academic unit Health Sciences
Credit points 2
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tatjana Seizova-Cajic, tatjana.seizova-cajic@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task hurdle task Module 1 and 2 quizzes
Online quizzes with a criterion mark
25% Week 02
Due date: 29 Sep 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 12 Oct 2023
Two online quizzes worth a total of 25%
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Assignment hurdle task Video presentation
Create your presentation; ask questions in your peer's presentation
50% Week 06
Due date: 27 Oct 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 Nov 2023
15 min x 2
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment hurdle task Response to feedback
Assignment (400 words)
25% Week 08
Due date: 06 Nov 2023 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Nov 2023
400 words + any plots or images
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

(1) Two online quizzes test your understanding of concepts covered in Modules 1 and 2. [25%]

(2) Your main task is to outline a simple study design. You will present it in a video recording using any format you like. You will also contribute to one such recording submitted by another student. In your recording, you will present key features of your study design (8 - 12 min); you will then discuss it with a peer who will ask constructive questions about any aspect of your study (5-min). In your peer's submission, you will assume the role of reviewer yourself. If your peer for whatever reason does not complete their proposal, you can still pass this assignment. [50%]

(3) Your final piece of work is a summary of changes to your study design in response to feedback you will have received from your peer and the lecturer (400 words; references, if any, are not included in the word count). You need to respond to all major comments, but you don't necessarily need to accept them. [25%]

Assessments are not marked, they are all pass/fail. The weights shown above indicate their relative importance.

Assessment criteria

Pass criteria for assignments will be co-designed with students.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

All assessments are Pass/Fail and no marks can be subtracted for lateness. Students can request Simple extension of up to 5 days. For Assignment 2, which is co-created with a peer, please discuss with them and be mindful of your peer's needs and availability. For longer delays, Special Consideration is required or the student will not be able to complete the unit. If Special Consideration is granted, you may need to complete the assignment with a different peer, or do a slightly modified assignment on your own.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Complete Modules 1, Module 1 quiz and sections 2.1 and 2.2 from Module 2 Independent study (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Revision of basic concepts; simple examples (F2F class, Thurs 3 - 6 pm) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Complete the rest of Module 2 (2.3, 2.4) and Module 2 quiz Independent study (4 hr) LO2 LO3
Seminar (compulsory): Introductions, group allocations; concepts Block teaching (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Self-study modules (complete before class) Independent study (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Confounding, interaction and other tricky concepts; complex example designs (F2F, Thurs 3 - 6 pm) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Seminar (compulsory): Present your ideas to your group; feedback from group; Q& A with the lecturer Block teaching (1.5 hr) LO4 LO6
Week 05 Self-study modules (complete before class) Independent study (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Planning your data analysis; tools for design evaluation (F2F class, Thurs 3-6pm) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Design your study and prepare to present it to your peer Independent study (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Seminar (compulsory): Present your research proposal to your peer; comment on theirs Block teaching (1.5 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Please aim to attend all classes - the face-to-face lectures and online seminars. The three online tutorials are all compulsory because it's where you will discuss your project with you peer. We also have valuable discussions in the 3-hours face-to-face seminars and it may be hard to catch up if you don't attend as the recordings rarely capture all exchange. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see Canvas module ‘Core readings’.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Not applicable; only one response received in 2022 (it was positive). There is no change in the unit format compared to last year.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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