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HSH753 - Research Methods in Health and Social Development

Year	2026 unit information
Enrolment modes:	Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Online Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Credit point(s):	1
EFTSL value:	0.125
Unit Chair:	Trimester 1: Adrian Cameron Trimester 2: TBA
Cohort rule:	This unit is only available to students enrolled in H608, H647, H656, H704, H706, H709, H756, H757, H765
Prerequisite:	Nil
Corequisite:	Nil
Incompatible with:	Nil
Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment:	Online or on-campus independent and collaborative learning, with a 1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar (Burwood) each week for 11 weeks.
Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:	Online independent and collaborative learning, with a 1 x 2 hours online seminar each week for 11 weeks.
Typical study commitment:	Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Content

This unit introduces students in disciplines across health, social and community service sectors to research processes. Students will learn how to formulate research questions and conduct a focused literature review. Students will then learn how to select a research approach (e.g., descriptive, analytical, interventional), designs and methods appropriate for different research questions and community groups. The unit also introduces approaches to analysing data and reporting research findings. The unit will cover key distinctions between observational and intervention studies; the use of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods; and provide an introduction to conducting research in an ethical, inclusive, and culturally sensitive manner.

Learning outcomes

ULO	These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can:	Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs)
ULO1	Locate, critique, and synthesise research literature to identify discipline-specific research problems and formulate clear research questions.	GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving
ULO2	Compare and critically evaluate research approaches and methodologies in alignment with specific research questions and aims using ethical and culturally responsive approaches in relation to Indigenous contexts.	GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving
ULO3	Develop and communicate ethical, inclusive, and context-specific research plans and processes for analysing and communicating research findings.	GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving
ULO4	Work collaboratively with peers within and across disciplines to share and develop knowledge of research.	GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving GLO6: Self-management

Assessment

Assessment description	Student output	Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit)	Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Research question and literature search	1200 words	20%	Week 5
Assessment 2: Research methods presentation	8 minute individual oral presentation (2000 words equivalent)	35%	Week 9
Assessment 3: Research project plan	2000 words	45%	Week 12

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Learning resource

The texts and reading list for HSH753 can be found via the University Library.

Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

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Unit Fee Information

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