This course is designed to give students an overview of the use of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods for social research. Quantitative methods focus on objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or from existing administrative sources. Qualitative methods, on the other hand, rely on more in depth analysis, and focus on direct observation and/or the analysis of words, images or other text. While many research questions can be answered by using either quantitative or qualitative research methods, most research questions seeking to understand complex social phenomena are best approached by using a mixed methods design.
This course summarises the key aspects of quantitative and qualitative mixed methods, and uses a number of example research projects to discuss how they can be combined to answer key social research questions. Upon completion, students will be able to design, evaluate and analyse data using mixed methods approaches to social research. No prior knowledge in either quantitative or qualitative research methods is assumed.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research methods;
2. evaluate the main strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research methods;
3. critique existing empirical research based on the choice of methodology;
4. differentiate between research questions which rely on cross-sectional survey data, longitudinal survey data, and qualitative data; and
5. design a mixed-methods research project on an important social research question.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction
2	Research Epistemologies and Ontologies
3	Examine your assumptions
4	Qualitative research design and methods
5	Qualitative analysis and interpretation
6	Quantitative research design and methods design and methods
7	Quantitative analysis and interpretation
8	Mixed methods bringing it all together
9	Real World Impact
10	Student presentations
11	Summary and Next steps

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Research critique oral presentation	40 %	24/09/2024	1,2,3
Mixed methods design	60 %	01/11/2024	4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Research critique oral presentation

Critique and discuss the strengths and limitations of two pieces of Mixed Methods research in the context of current mixed methods research methodological literature. 

The oral presentation seeks to mirror real-world experiences of critiquing research, much like in the workplace. 

Choose two pieces of published mixed methods research from the peer-reviewed or grey literature. Provide an overview of their research designs and approaches, including theoretical and conceptual framing, design and methods, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses in the context of mixed methods methodological literature.

Marking Rubric 

Presentation of key features of the research designs 15

Critique of strengths and weaknesses in reference to methodological literature 20

Answering questions 5

Assessment Task 2

Mixed methods design

The mixed methods design (3000 words) assessment allows students to apply their course learning in a way to move beyond research concepts to practicalities. This assessment is intended to equip students with the skills to develop real-world research projects.

The purpose of this final written piece is to showcase student work from scoping, indicative instrument development and description of processes and collection of data.

Students should provide literature to support their work from methodological and content perspectives. Ethical considerations should be identified and addressed.

Methodological aspects of settings and question framing should be considered, as well as careful attention to why each type of data collection varies/is required.

Students choose research topics/issues of interest in consultation with their course convener.

This assessment is essentially a research proposal with emphasis on mixed methods approaches.

This assessment is to be completed in an essay or report format style and include headings/sub-headings. The format should reflect that of a research proposal.

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

Marking Rubric:

Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone 10

Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion 15

Application of appropriate research theories/methods 15

General relevance and implications (including ethics) 15

Referencing 5 

3,000 words (excluding references)- Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Assignment 1 - Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Assignment 2 - Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marked assessments and grades (including written feedback, where applicable) will be returned via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments is accepted. Students are encouraged to consult with the course lecturers about an assignment prior to the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students