CQUniversity Unit Profile
PBHL20006 Participatory Health Research
Participatory Health Research
All details in this unit profile for PBHL20006 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Participatory Health Research is an approach to research that emphasises community involvement in all aspects of the research, from the initial ideas to the final dissemination of the findings. You will be introduced to and encouraged to critique a range of research approaches, methods and designs in this unit that would be appropriate to traditional research but which can be adapted to participatory health research. You will also be introduced to anti-oppressive methodologies, including feminist, decolonising and art-based approaches to research. Taking a participatory approach is important when undertaking research with First Nations Peoples, socially marginalised groups, and those who have experienced oppression. An essential part of undertaking research with these groups is the development of reflexivity and you will be encouraged to reflect on your own position and assumptions towards research and those who are researched.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites:PBHL20001 Understanding Public Health PBHL20002 Systems Thinking in Public Health 

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2020

Cairns
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 30%
2. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 30%
3. Group Work
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student email & Student evaluations

Feedback

The weighting of group assessments was a point of frustration for some students as a student's overall mark becomes dependent on group work (60% of the unit total).

Recommendation

Change Assessment 2, Group Work from weighting of 60% to 40%. This change will subsequently increase the weight of individual assessments.

Feedback from Student evaluations

Feedback

Several students identified their satisfaction with the interactive and effective learning activities occurring during tutorials.

Recommendation

Maintain the active level of student engagement.

Feedback from Unit evaluation/ Coordinator reflection

Feedback

Some students suggested that there should be more lecture discussion in tutorial class.

Recommendation

Set aside more time during tutorial class to discuss and/or apply key concepts from the lecture.

Feedback from Unit evaluation/ Coordinator reflection

Feedback

Online discussion forum posts led to student comments about assessment fatigue and the inability of some students to apply this content of knowledge during the group work.

Recommendation

Change online discussion forum posts to written assessment. The written assessment will allow students individual reflection on unit concepts.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Critique strengths and limitations associated with different approaches to public health research
  2. Justify taking a participatory health approach to public health research
  3. Discuss the challenges associated with taking a participatory approach to public health research
  4. Critique public health research undertaken within First Nations Peoples' communities
  5. Evaluate the impact of anti-oppressive methodologies, including feminist, decolonising and arts-based approaches to public health research
  6. Determine appropriate quantitative and qualitative research designs for various approaches to complex public health issues
  7. Reflect on own positionality and assumptions related to public health research.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Written Assessment - 30%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

My Two Blankets

(2017)
Authors: Irena Kobald, Freya Blackwood
Hardie Grant Egmont
Richmond Richmond , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781760501419
Binding: Paperback
Prescribed

Research Methods in Health, Foundations for evidence-based practice

Third Edition (2016)
Authors: Pranee Liamputtong
Oxford University Press Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780190304300
Binding: Paperback
Prescribed

The New Public Health

Fourth Edition (2015)
Authors: Fran Baum
Oxford University Press Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780195588088
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

Copies are available for purchase at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Vivian Romero Unit Coordinator
v.romero@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Public health research purpose and positionality

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Traditional approaches to health research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

This week's question:

How would a positivist approach this problem?

How would a constructivist approach this problem?

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Participatory approaches to health research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

This week's question:

How would a participatory researcher approach this research problem?

What are some possible challenges of using a participatory approach?

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020

Module/Topic

Public health research and indigenous communities

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

This week's question:

Why has Public Health research failed First Nations Peoples?

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Anti-oppressive approaches to health research

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

This week's question:

What is the impact of anti-oppressive approaches?


Theoretical Foundations (Assessment #1) Due: Week 5 Thursday (9 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

It is recommended that you catch up on missed readings and activities and/or use this week to explore Week 6.

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Human-centred design thinking and mixed methods

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020

Module/Topic

Qualitative study designs

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

Week 8 Begin Date: 04 May 2020

Module/Topic

Quantitative study designs

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

Week 9 Begin Date: 11 May 2020

Module/Topic

Arts-based and creative participatory study designs

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.

Week 10 Begin Date: 18 May 2020

Module/Topic

Reflective researcher-practitioner

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

In addition to online lectures and resources, tutorials promote engaging activities including but not limited to: reflective discussions, participatory activities and opportunities to work on your assessment.


Bring all collected data to tutorial


Research Positionality (Assessment #2) Due: Week 10 Thursday (21 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11 Begin Date: 25 May 2020

Module/Topic

Evidence-based practice or practice-based evidence?

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

This week, presentations (Research Poster Symposium) will take place during tutorials. Please note that there will also be lecture content this week.



Research Poster Symposium (Assessment #3) Due: Week 11 Thursday (28 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Cultivating co-creation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Time to celebrate and continue.

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Theoretical Foundations (Assessment #1)

Task Description

This is an individual task assessment. You will write short responses to questions posed each week from Week 2 to Week 5. You will apply your knowledge of the readings and the lectures. Specific questions are located on the Moodle and will also be introduced during tutorials. There is a specific format for answering each week's question. The general format is as follows:

  • Research problem of reading (1-2 sentences). Identify what you think is the research problem/topic that the reading addresses.
  • Answer to question (5-7 sentences). In your own words, briefly summarise the main points to answer the question of the week.
  • Applying your knowledge (3-5 bullet points). Using bullet points, list 3-5 ways to explore the specified idea.

Responses to all questions (Week 2- 5) will be uploaded to Moodle in ONE document.


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Thursday (9 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 7 Thursday (30 Apr 2020)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The response to each week's question is worth up to 5% (for a total of up to 30%) and will be graded according to your ability to integrate your learning of the week's content.

See Moodle for a detailed assessment rubric. Late submission and academic misconduct penalties apply as per the university regulations.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Six (6) responses in the format described in one document (MSWord, PDF), electronic submission via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique strengths and limitations associated with different approaches to public health research
  • Justify taking a participatory health approach to public health research
  • Discuss the challenges associated with taking a participatory approach to public health research
  • Critique public health research undertaken within First Nations Peoples' communities
  • Evaluate the impact of anti-oppressive methodologies, including feminist, decolonising and arts-based approaches to public health research


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Research Positionality (Assessment #2)

Task Description

This is an individual task assessment. You will be required to write a 1500 word reflective essay. You will reflect on the application of your learning related to the readings, lectures and prior assessments. Review your weekly Head Heart Feet worksheets. In particular, you will be tasked to address these three points:

  • Your positionality and what you thought to be true in relation to participatory health research
  • The methods you would use to approach a complex issue and the reasons why
  • How you would seek to undertake research with First Nation Peoples communities

This essay will be uploaded to Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 10 Thursday (21 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Thursday (4 June 2020)


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

For this assessment, the following rubric will be used:

  • Reflection and self-assessment (10%)
  • Synthesis of positionality and research design (10%)
  • Integration of positionality and indigenous worldviews (10%)

See Moodle for a detailed assessment rubric. Late submission and academic misconduct penalties apply as per the university regulations.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique public health research undertaken within First Nations Peoples' communities
  • Determine appropriate quantitative and qualitative research designs for various approaches to complex public health issues
  • Reflect on own positionality and assumptions related to public health research.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

3 Group Work

Assessment Title
Research Poster Symposium (Assessment #3)

Task Description

This is a group project with an individual component. Throughout the term, relevant approaches and participatory methods will be introduced for you to learn and apply. You will collect and analyse data within tutorials. You will present your research findings through an A2 poster and online material. Opportunities to complete the poster will be provided during the tutorial sessions. The following sections are required:

  • Title, Authors
  • Main finding
  • Introduction- what is the problem, the significance of using participatory research design versus the other designs
  • Methods- describe your research design
  • Impact- define the impact and outcomes of your research approach
  • Any additional information
  • QR Code

Your research poster should only depict a few gems of your overall research. A full explanation of the following sections (Introduction, Methods and Impact) will be made accessible online. Instructions on how to upload this material is available on Moodle. Submission of your poster includes poster and explanatory material. Only one member of the team will be allowed to upload this submission via Moodle.

For the individual component, through a 500-word submission, you will be required to write a brief summary of your contribution to the project and personally evaluate the impact of this research process on yourself as a co-researcher. Submission of this component will be via Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Thursday (28 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Thursday (11 June 2020)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

For this assessment, the following rubric will be used:

  • Synthesis of participatory health research concepts (5%)
  • Development of research design (10%)
  • Evaluation of impacts and outcomes (10%)
  • Communication of information (10%)
  • Reflection and self-assessment (5%)

See Moodle for a detailed assessment rubric. Late submission and academic misconduct penalties apply as per the university regulations.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Present one (1) A2 poster during tutorial. Digital poster with online explanatory material, electronic submission via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique strengths and limitations associated with different approaches to public health research
  • Justify taking a participatory health approach to public health research
  • Discuss the challenges associated with taking a participatory approach to public health research
  • Evaluate the impact of anti-oppressive methodologies, including feminist, decolonising and arts-based approaches to public health research
  • Determine appropriate quantitative and qualitative research designs for various approaches to complex public health issues


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?