Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit equips students with a strong foundation in qualitative research methods, preparing them to undertake research-based projects in health care. Designed as an advanced introduction to qualitative research methods, the course explores key qualitative research theoretical and paradigmatic frameworks, methodologies, methods and ethical considerations, and their applications in health-related research.

Students will engage with a range of qualitative research approaches, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, gaining an in-depth understanding of qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting. Ethical considerations, particularly in research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, will be emphasised, alongside discussions on reflexivity and rigour. The unit also explores the future direction of qualitative research, including practical applications.

Students will develop essential skills in research design, conducting interviews, analysing qualitative data, and disseminating qualitative research. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence and expertise to design and conduct rigorous qualitative research that addresses critical health challenges.

2026 10

Campus offering

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Unit offerings may be subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

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  • Term Mode
  • ACU Term 2Online Unscheduled
  • ACU Term 4Online Unscheduled

Prerequisites

HLSC640 Interpreting Health Research OR HLSC641 Introduction to Health Sciences Research

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Critically appraise theoretical underpinnings, str...

Learning Outcome 01

Critically appraise theoretical underpinnings, strengths, and limitations in qualitative research
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7, GC9, GC11

Analyse and critically evaluate qualitative resear...

Learning Outcome 02

Analyse and critically evaluate qualitative research methodologies and methods, and the role of the researcher within qualitative research
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC9, GC11

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of qualitative rese...

Learning Outcome 03

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of qualitative research design, including formulating research questions and aims; selecting methodologies and methods; applying ethical considerations that includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical guidelines; data management and effective dissemination of research findings.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC9, GC10, GC11

Apply knowledge of qualitative research design, in...

Learning Outcome 04

Apply knowledge of qualitative research design, including qualitative data gathering, management, analysis, and ethical considerations, to plan and justify a well-structured qualitative research project.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11

Content

  • Theoretical and paradigmatic frameworks in qualitative research
  • Interpretive
  • Critical
  • Postmodern
  • Strengths-based Approaches for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 
  • Designing qualitative research
  • Qualitative research methodologies (students may focus on one of the following)
  • Ethnography
  • Grounded theory
  • Phenomenology
  • Action research
  • Case study
  • Qualitative descriptive research
  • Historical and archival research
  • Integration studies (systematic reviews) 
  • Trustworthiness in qualitative research
  • Credibility
  • Transferability
  • Dependability
  • Confirmability
  • Sensitivity
  • Reflexivity
  • Ethical and legal risks
  • Ethical Conduct of research with human beings    
  • Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders   
  • Data collection methods
  • Interviews
  • Focus groups
  • Participant observation
  • Documents
  • Surveys
  • Reflective journaling
  • Narrative /Storytelling
  • Text
  • Visual, non-textual data
  • Data analysis methods
  • Dissemination of results
  • Data management

Assessment strategy and rationale

To pass this unit, students are required to submit three graded assessment tasks, demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, and obtain a minimum mark of 50%. The assessment strategy used allows for the progressive development of knowledge and skills in relation to qualitative research methods so that students can demonstrate their preparedness to undertake a scholarly research-based project using a qualitative research approach.  

Assessment task 1 allows students to study and demonstrate their knowledge of qualitative research theoretical and paradigmatic frameworks; research design; qualitative research methodology and methods; ethical considerations; dissemination of research findings and data management.

Assessment task 2 involves the submission of a research proposal brief that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of developing research questions and aims, alignment of appropriate qualitative research methodology and methods, and rationales for these. Feedback from the marker will be used to guide their development of their final assessment task.

Assessment task 3 involves the development of a research proposal using qualitative research methodology. This enables students to demonstrate an understanding of the various elements of a research proposal and their knowledge of qualitative research methodology with respect to these elements.  

Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1: Weekly Participation Tasks - O...

Assessment Task 1: Weekly Participation Tasks - Online Quizzes

Enables students to demonstrate understanding of all qualitative research concepts addressed in this unit 

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC9, GC10, GC11

Assessment Task 2: Qualitative Research Proposal ...

Assessment Task 2: Qualitative Research Proposal Brief (750 words)

Enables students to demonstrate an understanding of developing research questions and aims that address the focus of the study, as well as correct alignment of qualitative research methodology and methods

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11

Assessment Task 3: Expanded Qualitative Research ...

Assessment Task 3: Expanded Qualitative Research Proposal (2500 words)

Enables students to develop a research proposal on the research topic identified in Assessment task 2, guided by a research proposal template and utilising feedback from Assessment task 2. This will demonstrate their understanding of various elements of a research proposal, including application of qualitative research methodology, methods and ethical considerations.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding and application, and to engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). (2020). AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. https://aiatsis.gov.au/research/ethical-research/code-ethics

Bolton, J. Remedios, L., & Andrews, S. (2023). Enriching research practices through knowledge about Indigenous research methodologies. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-Professional Journal, 24 (2). ISSN 1442-1100. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.258577021367483

Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S., Giardina, M.D., & Cannella, G.S.  (Eds.). (2023). The Sage handbook of qualitative research, (6th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage Publications Inc.

Greenhalgh, T.M., Bidewell, J., Crisp, E., Lambros, A., & Warland, J. (2023). Understanding Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice in Health (3rd Ed.). John Wiley & Sons Australia

Jackson, D., Halcomb, E., & Walthall, H. (2023). Navigating the maze of research: Enhancing nursing and midwifery practice. (6th ed.). Chatswood, NSW: Mosby Elsevier.

Kennedy, M., Maddox, R., Booth, K., Maidment, S.m Chamberlain, C., & Bessarab, D (2022). Decolonising qualitative research with respectful, reciprocal, and responsible research practice: a narrative review of the application of Yarning method in qualitative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research. International Journal for Equity in Health, 21, 134 . https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-022-01738-w

Kennedy, M., Morton Nimomiya, M., Morton Nimomiya, M., Brascoupé, S., Smylie, J., Calma, T., Mohamed, J., Stewart, P.J., & Maddox, R. (2024). Knowledge translation in Indigenous health research: voices from the field. The Medical Journal of Australia, Open Access.  https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52357

Liamputtong, P. (2021). Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice (4th Ed.) Oxford University Press ANZ

National Health and Medical Research Council (2018). Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/resources/ethical-conduct-research-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-and-communities

National Health and Medical Research Council (2023). National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2023. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/national-statement-ethical-conduct-human-research-2023

Smye, S. W., & Frangi, A. F. (2021). Interdisciplinary research: shaping the healthcare of the future. Future healthcare journal8(2), e218–e223. https://doi.org/10.7861/fhj.2021-0025



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