IA4010 - Indigenous Research Ethics, Methodologies and Procedures

Credit points:	06
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Indigenous Australian Studies

This subject provides an introduction to the major ethical and methodological issues and considerations in Indigenous research. It involves an examination of existing research practices and procedures as they impact and influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Some of the issues addressed include protocols, collaboration, reciprocity, dissemination of outcomes and their implications, questions of intellectual property, ownership, research and development for self-determination. This subject provides the beginning researcher with the skills to define a researchable topic in an Indigenous context, examine existing literature, design the research project and collect data for analysis. Students will also be introduced to issues and materials through online learning. Therefore it is essential that students have access to the World Wide Web to complete this subject, students who do not have access to e-mail should notify the subject coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

• critically analyse perspectives on qualitative and quantitative research with reference to examples of existing research conducted with and about Indigenous populations and their communities;
• describe the ethical issues central and pertinent to Indigenous research;
• conduct a small scale research project that reflects the interests and concerns of Indigenous Australia;
• complete a literature review.

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;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to use online technologies effectively and ethically.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coordinator:	Ms Agnes Hannan
Lecturer:	Dr Felecia Watkin.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures
Assessment:	presentations (30%); essays (30%); assignments (40%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coordinator:	Ms Agnes Hannan
Lecturer:	Dr Felecia Watkin.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures
Assessment:	presentations (30%); essays (30%); assignments (40%).

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.