Preparing for Research

Syllabus

• Week 1

  What is research and what is evidence?

  • Let's get started

    Meet your teaching team, other learners and discover key information about this course, including useful tips to help you get the most out of your learning.

  • Why does research matter?

    Let’s look at why research matters and how it can help solve problems. We’ll also look at what type of research project might interest you.

  • What is evidence?

    Good research collects evidence in valid and reliable ways. Let’s learn some basic principles for critiquing what you read.

  • Weekly wrap

    Reflect on your learning and find out what’s on for next week.

• Week 2

  Evidence-based decisions and research paradigms

  • Evidence-based practice

    Welcome back to Week 2. Let’s get started with evidence-based decision making. Why is it important and how can we do it well?

  • Demystifying research approaches

    Your world-view, choice of question and the scope of your problem will often determine the best way to proceed with your research. Let's look at some key concepts fundamental to deciding on a research approach.

  • Research approaches in practice

    There are so many ways to tackle your research problem, so it’s important to be clear on your specific question. Let’s explore the benefits of mapping out your ideas and collaborating with others.

  • Weekly wrap

    Reflect on what you’ve learnt in Week 2, start preparing your second assessment and get ready for Week 3.

• Week 3

  Ethical principles in research

  • Let's look at ethics

    Together we will examine the issues and power imbalances that necessitate ethical decision making in research.

  • Our inherent differences necessitate agreed protocols

    Let’s investigate the difference between morals and ethics and explore how a code of ethics provides a blueprint for decision making in the global research community.

  • Does the end justify the means?

    Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we explore some of the more infamous research studies in history. We’ll also consider a number of ethical dilemmas along with the role of the Research Ethics Committee.

  • Weekly wrap

    Reflect on what you’ve learnt in Week 3, start preparing your second assessment and get ready for Week 4.

• Week 4

  Getting started with assessments; Identifying your research question

  • You've got this!

    Like any project, time management, focus and perseverance will be your best friends along the way. Let’s explore what it’s going to take to achieve your goals.

  • Your research question

    Define a specific, researchable question.

  • Week wrap

    Reflect on what you’ve learnt in Week 4, start preparing your second assessment and get ready for Week 5.

• Week 5

  Reviewing literature

  • Your literature review

    Review accessible literature relating to your question.

  • Academic integrity

    Define plagiarism and collusion. Commit to ethical behaviour.

  • Your research approach

    Determine your research approach.

• Week 6

  Assessment preparation and submission

  • Assessment preparation and submission

    Discover and discuss practical tips and information about how to successfully complete and submit your assessment. Reflect on what you've learnt throughout this course and how you'll integrate this into your assessment task.

  • Course wrap

    Reflect on what you’ve learnt over the duration of this course, and also find out more about how to use your credential before considering the next steps of your learning journey.

Who will you learn with?