NS5201 - Research: Theory and Methodology

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	Discipline of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

This subject will assist the student in developing a scientific base of knowledge fundamental to nursing practice through the development and application of research. The subject builds on knowledge commonly taught in undergraduate research programs. After reinforcing the link between theory and research, it will expand on different methodologies useful for research and focus on ethical and cultural aspects in research. For students planning to continue these studies to a Masters degree, this subject will be part of the preparation for the required research project.

Learning Outcomes

• appreciate the important role culture and ethics play in research and in the application of ethical procedures related to the conduct of research;
• critically evaluate research findings and their suitability for application in practice;
• describe features of cross-cultural research and identify its methodological problems;
• describe the development of theories and distinguish between conceptual and theoretical frameworks;
• discuss the relationship between theory and research and its basis in major philosophical orientations;
• identify advanced research methodologies and relate them to their respective paradigms.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

NS6020

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2009
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lea Budden.
Method of Delivery:	and WWW - LearnJCUPrinted materials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); assignments (60%).
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2009
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lea Budden.
Method of Delivery:	and WWW - LearnJCUPrinted materials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); assignments (60%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.