Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener and Lecturer
Rebecca Bull
Contact via By email
Lecturer
Garry Falloon
Lecturer
Neil Harrison
Lecturer
Rauno Parrila
Lecturer
Philip Li
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Credit points |
Credit points
10
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
The objective of this unit is to extend student understanding and application of the research methods used to explore contemporary issues in a variety of educational settings. A staff member actively engaged in research will lead each of 6 workshops to expose students to a range of methodological approaches and to develop their understanding of evidence-based practice. As students proceed through the workshops they will consider the application of these research approaches to addressing an educational topic of personal relevance and interest. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:
Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin in .doc or .pdf format
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.
Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports
Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit.
Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.
The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.
Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.
Please note:
Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission,
Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.
Assignment extensions and late penalties
In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.
Late submissions: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g., quizzes, online tests. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.
If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.
Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.
Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment
If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.
Note:
Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.
The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade.
Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.
Units with Quiz Assessments
Online quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion. Please see the Academic Honesty Handbook for more information.
University policy on grading
Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks
Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.
Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit
In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.
Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016
The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.
Grade |
Descriptor |
HD (High Distinction) |
Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline. |
D (Distinction) |
Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
Cr (Credit) |
Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
P (Pass). |
Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes |
F (Fail) |
Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement.
Withdrawing from this unit
If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree.
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Problem set 1 | 15% | No | 20/03/2021 |
Problem set 2 | 15% | No | 03/04/2021 |
Problem Set 3 | 15% | No | 01/05/2021 |
Problem Set 4 | 15% | No | Multiple deadlines - see unit schedule |
Problem Set 5 | 15% | No | 29/05/2021 |
Portfolio | 25% | No | 05/06/2021 |
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 20/03/2021
Weighting: 15%
Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 03/04/2021
Weighting: 15%
Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 01/05/2021
Weighting: 15%
Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Multiple deadlines - see unit schedule
Weighting: 15%
Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 29/05/2021
Weighting: 15%
Each workshop leader will design an appropriate task (or multiple short tasks) to assess the application of your knowledge for that module. For example, this could be the a critique of published research based on knowledge of evidence-based practice, a hands-on analysis task, contributions to discussion forums, or evaluating different methodological paradigms to address an educational research question. The exact nature of the assessment will be decided by the leader of the module and will be communicated to you ahead of the session.
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 05/06/2021
Weighting: 25%
At the end of this unit you will submit a portfolio of documents completed during the course of this unit. This will include reflection on the evidence base for your personal research interest, the identification of your research area and research question, reflection on how different research approaches could be used to address that question and key methodological issues that need to be considered, and a final brief research plan based on principles of high quality evidence-based practice.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Required and recommended texts
One core text book will be used in this course. You can purchase a hard or soft copy. Although the reference is for the 7th edition of the book, you can also use earlier editions which may be cheaper or freely available on the internet.
Johnson, B., and Christensen, L. (2019). Educational Research: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Approaches. (7th Edition). Sage.
Additional reading
Additional reading will be provided for each module. These should all be directly available from the library or will be made available on the unit iLearn site.
Unit delivery and communication
This unit has a full web presence through iLearn.
Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit.
Regular (preferably daily) access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials
Access and technical assistance
Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.
Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.
No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.
Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.
The unit is split into 6 two-week modules, each led by a staff member who has expertise in that specific research approach. Each module includes pre-recorded presentations, recommended readings, and may include an activity such as a discussion forum, quiz, or preparation for a tutorial. Each module will also have a scheduled 2 hour tutorial - these are not compulsory but you are strongly encouraged to attend. The tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss course content and will include activities that aid your understanding of the unit material and help to complete the assessment for that module. It is also a great opportunity to interact with and learn from your fellow classmates.
The following table provides an overview of the activities for each module, the scheduled tutorial time, and the due dates for assessments. Please carefully review the unit schedule so you know what activities you are participating in each week. Note that content for each module will be opened Sunday morning to provide you with an opportunity to review the material and plan your work schedule. Note that assignments are due for submission on Saturday evenings by 11.55pm – there is one exception in Module 5 where there are multiple deadlines for the completion of small amounts of work. It is your responsibility to ensure you complete all activities and assessments at the appropriate time.
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Activity |
Online Meeting |
Assessment |
Module 1: Rebecca Bull. Overview and Introduction to Research Approaches |
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Week 1 (w.b. 22nd Feb) |
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Week 2 (w.b. 1st March) |
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Wed 3rd March 7-9pm, Zoom
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No assessment |
Module 2: Garry Falloon. Qualitative Research – Narrative Inquiry and Case Studies |
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Week 3 (w.b. 8th March) |
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Week 4 (w.b. 15th March) |
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Wed 17 March, 7-9pm, Zoom
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Due Saturday 20th March @ 11.55pm (15%) |
Module 3: Neil Harrison. Qualitative Research – Phenomenology, Ethnography, and Grounded Theory |
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Week 5 (w.b. 22nd March) |
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Week 6 (w.b. 29th March) |
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Monday 29 March 7-9pm, Zoom
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Due Saturday 3rd April @ 11.55pm (15%) |
Module 4: Rebecca Bull. Quantitative Research – Strong Experimental Design and Randomised Controlled Trials |
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Week 7 (w.b. 19th April) |
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Week 8 (w.b. 26th April) |
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Wednesday 28th April 7-9pm:
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Due Saturday 1st May @ 11.55pm (15%)
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Module 5: Rauno Parrila. Quantitative Research – Quasi-experimental and Single Case Study Designs. |
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Week 9 (w.b. 3rd May) |
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Wednesday 5th May 7-8pm
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Due:
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Week 10 (w.b. 10th May) |
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Wednesday 12th May 7-8pm
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Module 6: Philip Li. Non-experimental Designs and Mixed Methods Approach |
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Week 11 (w.b. 17th May) |
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Week 12 (w.b. 24th May) |
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Wednesday 26th May 7-9pm
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Due Saturday 29th May @11.55pm (15%) |
Final Review: Rebecca Bull |
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Week 13 (w.b. 31st May) |
Complete Research Plan |
Wednesday 2nd June 7-8pm
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Due Saturday 5th June @ 11.55pm (25%) |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook