CQUniversity Unit Profile
SOCL19069 Social Research Methods
Social Research Methods
All details in this unit profile for SOCL19069 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

This unit familiarises students with the practice of researching and the collection of data. Through the development of core skills, students are introduced to both qualitative and quantitative methods. Links between theory and social research methods are investigated in an effort to understand the production and analysis of social research data. At the end of the unit students should be able to critically assess and analyse the application and use of appropriate research methods. Within this framework students should be able to devise and undertake a social survey, understand and explain the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and be able to use both quantitative and qualitative approaches to their research.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Successful completion of 48 credit points.

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 2 - 2022

Online

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 Undergraduate 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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
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 Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Students to be allowed to select their own research topics for the two written assessments.

Recommendation

Students will select their own social issues for the assessments. Examples of suitable social issues will be provided and students will be encouraged to confirm their selected social issues with the unit coordinator.

Feedback from Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Provide students with more exemplars of report format and quantitative assignments.

Recommendation

More exemplars will be provided and clearer Assessment structure information provided.

Feedback from Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Finding some assessment resources in the Assessment tile.

Recommendation

The Moodle site will provide separate sections for each of the three assessments in the Assessment tile.

Feedback from Unit Evaluation, email

Feedback

An engaging and interesting unit with good assessments. The lectures, tutorials, teaching and support provided by the unit coordinator helped students learn.

Recommendation

To continue to support and engage with students.

Feedback from Unit Evaluation

Feedback

Provide a better practice quiz.

Recommendation

The practice quiz will be expanded in the number of questions and improved.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply a range of skills and competencies that critically evaluate the use and application of research methods and the analysis of data.
  2. Conduct a social survey.
  3. Explain and discuss both the benefits and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and their appropriate contexts for application, while having and understanding of the constraints and concerns associated with undertaking and supervising a research project.
  4. Apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Social research methods

Edition: 4th edn (2019)
Authors: Walter, M
Oxford University Press
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780190310103
Binding: Paperback

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 style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Susan Rockloff Unit Coordinator
s.rockloff@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Research and the research process

Chapter

Chapter 1 & 3 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 1 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Qualitative and quantitative research


Chapter

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 2 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

Research design and  research questions




Chapter

Chapter 2 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 3 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Ethics in research

Chapter

Chapter 4 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 4 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1. Online Quiz (20%) Due: Week 4 Friday (5 Aug 2022) 11:00 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies

Chapter

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 5 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Measuring and sampling

Chapter

Chapter 5 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 6 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

Quantitative research - Constructing and conducting surveys


Chapter

Chapter 6 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 7 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Quantitative research - Analysing data and presenting  survey results


Chapter

Chapter 8 & 9 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 8 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2. Quantitative (Social Survey) Due: Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 11:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Qualitative research method - interviewing

Chapter

Chapter 10 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 9 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Qualitative research - Analysing the data

Chapter

Chapter 11 & 13 of Walter (2019) (prescribed text)

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 10 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

Quality in research - Rigour

Chapter

Visit the study week schedule on Moodle for Week 11 set readings and activities.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Review week

Chapter

No set readings for this week. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3. Qualitative (Interviewing & Analysis) Due: Week 12 Tuesday (4 Oct 2022) 11:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assessment 1. Online Quiz (20%)

Task Description

Aim
This online timed multiple choice quiz is set to test your understanding of fundamental concepts, methods, and facts covered by the textbook, recommended readings and lectures covered in weeks 1 to 4 of the term.

NOTE: If you have an Accessibility Plan that requires an adjustment to your assessment, please contact the Unit Coordinator at the start of the term.

Here is an example of a quiz question -
Q. Research that focuses on the collection of statistical data is called:
a. Autoethnography
b. Qualitative research
c. Quantitative research
d. Positivism
The correct answer is (c) Quantitative research—this is the one you need to select.
A practice quiz will be made available for you to familiarise yourself with the format, content type and process.

Instructions
There will be a total of 40 multiple choice questions, and you must answer the questions in 45 minutes. Each correct answer is worth half a mark.
The quiz will be available for two days on the Moodle site. The quiz will become available on Thursday, 4 August 2022 (week 4) at 8 am. The quiz will close at 11.00 pm (AEST) on Friday, 5 August 2022 (week 4).
This is a timed online quiz that must be completed before the due time and date.
There will be only one correct or best answer to each question, and you need to select the option corresponding to this answer. There are four answer options. There are no penalties for incorrect answers. While you will be able to refer to the textbook or other resources while you are taking the quiz, you cannot afford to do this for every question because of the time limit. You need to have a good understanding of the unit content before taking the quiz. Each student will receive a customised quiz, chosen at random from the test bank, so that collusion will not be possible.

Please follow the steps below to complete your assessment task:
1. The quiz will be delivered through the ‘Assessment’ section of the Moodle site, and will only become visible and available to you at 8 am (AEST) on Thursday, 4 August 2022.
2. You will need to have access to a stable Internet connection to complete the quiz. It is your responsibility to make time to sit the quiz by the due date and time (11.00 pm (AEST), Friday, 5 August 2022).
3. Before you take the quiz, make sure that you are ready (i.e. a proper revision has been done) and choose a time and computer/place with minimum distraction to sit for the quiz (i.e. do not have external disturbances from people, pets, etc).
4. Be conscious of the time limit while taking the quiz—make sure you have a clock in front of you and note down your starting time. Do not wait until the last minute to complete the quiz as it will time out once the time limit is reached (i.e.at 11.00 PM the quiz will close regardless of your start time). To have the full-time allocation you need to start the quiz no later than 10.15 pm on Friday, 5 August 2022.
5. You must complete the quiz in one sitting. You can not start the quiz, pause the quiz and return to it later. Your quiz answers will be automatically submitted 45 minutes after the quiz is started.
6. The presentation of questions is one page at a time with 5 questions per page. You must complete each page before you go on to the next one. Attempts to backtrack to previous pages are not allowed. Do not refresh or reload your screen otherwise your quiz may close and your incomplete quiz will be recorded as completed.
7. If you experience a problem with your quiz or the Moodle site while completing the quiz, please contact the CQU Technology and Services Assistance Centre (TASAC) during their opening hours of 7.30 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday on 07 4930 9090 or toll-free 1300 666 620. It is recommended that you complete the quiz during office hours. Please notify the Unit Coordinator immediately of a problem with your quiz and take a screenshot or photograph of your full screen.
8. Your quiz score will be provided on the next working day after the quiz has closed - Monday, 8 August 2022.
9. Please contact the Unit Coordinator immediately if you are unable to complete the quiz. Please take a photograph of your computer screen if you encounter an error or computer issue as evidence and to assist TASAC to fix any problems.

Requirements
You need a computer with a stable internet connection and 45 minutes of uninterrupted time.

Resources
• You can use the unit resources and other credible sources during the quiz.
• We recommend that you adequately prepare before the quiz day and take the practice quiz.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Friday (5 Aug 2022) 11:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Monday (8 Aug 2022)


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

No Assessment Criteria


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit your completed quiz when you answer the 40 questions or the 45 minute time allowance lapses. The quiz will be set to submit your quiz at the end of the 45 minutes.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply a range of skills and competencies that critically evaluate the use and application of research methods and the analysis of data.
  • Conduct a social survey.
  • Explain and discuss both the benefits and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and their appropriate contexts for application, while having and understanding of the constraints and concerns associated with undertaking and supervising a research project.
  • Apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 2. Quantitative (Social Survey)

Task Description

Aim

The aim of the assessment is to develop a quantitative social survey after reviewing the literature in the area and developing the research question. The purpose is for you to make connections between the unit material, a real-life research approach and the use of a research method.


Instructions

In this assessment you are required to:

1) Select one sociological topic of interest from the list below. If you would like to study a different sociological topic you must get approval from the Unit Coordinator before commencing your assignment preparation.

2) Explore the literature in this area.

3) Identify a research question.

4) Explain the significance/importance (justification) of this question.

5) Explain and discuss the benefits and limitations of a quantitative survey to explore your selected sociological topic and participant group.

6) Prepare the reference lists on a new page.

7) Compose a survey with a maximum of 15 questions on your topic, plus five socio-demographic questions (put all the survey questions and answer choices in the appendix of your assignment). Your survey questions need to produce data to answer your posed research question.


Customise the Information Sheet and Consent Form provided to you in the Assessment tile and include these with your survey.

A few sample surveys will be provided to students as examples. The tutorial sessions will involve skills development using practical exercises on how to identify keywords to undertake a literature review, how to identify and construct a research question, and how to develop a survey and write good survey questions.

Note: You are not to conduct the survey, this is a hypothetical exercise.


Select one (1) of the following sociological topics to research:

1. Body dissatisfaction among young girls

2. Youth homelessness

3. Healthy ageing in older adults

4. Value of multiculturalism in Australia

5. Employment of people living with disability

6. Select your own sociological topic (email the Unit Coordinator for approval before commencing your assignment preparation)


Literature and references

When addressing the assignment topic, you will need to use contemporary literature to support your discussion. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. References sourced from the world-wide-web must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies. A minimum of seven (7) up-to-date references, including journal articles and relevant books and websites are to be used. You must correctly reference your paper using American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style (current CQUniversity abridged 7th edition – link available in the Assessment block).


Formatting

A 1500-word limit has been set for this assignment. The assignment requires a cover page, discussion, references and appendix section (Information Sheet, Consent Form, survey questions and answer choices). To help scaffold your assessment refer to Assessment 2. Tips and Overview presentation located in the Assessment block on the Moodle site. Introduction and conclusion sections are not required for this written assessment.

In your assignment, ensure all your sources are properly cited and use your own words to explain any key points or ideas discussed, and use quotes sparingly (no more than 10% of the word count). Quote and paraphrase properly to avoid breaching academic integrity standards. See the referencing style guide for information on how to paraphrase and avoid plagiarism.


Word limit

1500 words (excluding the cover page, reference list and appendix). The word count is considered from the first word of the Discussion section to the last word of the Discussion section. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. Do not exceed 1500 words.


Requirements

Include a cover page with your name/student number, unit code, assessment number, unit coordinator, and word count (plus extension details if you have received one).

Include a reference list after the discussion section and on a new page.

Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing, justified margins and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

Include page numbers on each page in a footer.

Write in the third-person perspective.

Use formal academic language (avoid contractions).

Use the APA (7th ed.) referencing style. The CQU library and CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre have an online version available for download.

Do not use dot points or numbered lists in your written assignment (except for the survey).

Submit your Assessment 2 assignment by the due date.

Submit via SOCL19069 Moodle site through Turnitin.

Upload with the file named in the following format: Surname_ First name_ Student number_ A2


Resources

You can use unit resources (e.g., set textbook (Walter (2019)), eBook readings) and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

For information on academic communication, please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources, including information for students with English as a second language. Consider attending their Zoom sessions on referencing and academic writing.

Before submitting your final assignment file, we recommend you submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score. Instructions are available here.

Double-check all uploaded files to ensure the correct file is submitted. We recommend you save your final assignment file to a new folder and only upload it from this folder.


Submission

Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.


Marking Criteria

Refer to the marking rubric that is available here and on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.

Please follow the instructions in the Assessment tile on how to access the feedback in your marked assignment when it is returned.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Monday (5 Sept 2022) 11:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Monday (19 Sept 2022)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply a range of skills and competencies that critically evaluate the use and application of research methods and the analysis of data.
  • Conduct a social survey.
  • Explain and discuss both the benefits and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and their appropriate contexts for application, while having and understanding of the constraints and concerns associated with undertaking and supervising a research project.
  • Apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3. Qualitative (Interviewing & Analysis)

Task Description

Aim
The aim of your assignment is to show consideration of ethical issues when conducting qualitative interviews; to be able to explain and discuss the benefits and limitations of qualitative interviews given the context for application, to illustrate your ability to construct open-ended interview questions and to provide a brief preliminary discussion of your interview data. The purpose of this assessment is for you to make connections between the unit material and the real-life application of a qualitative research technique. To meet this aim, you are to engage in the weekly unit material and readings.

Your task is to develop five to ten open-ended questions (with prompts and probes) about your chosen topic from Assessment 2 and to use the questions to conduct an interview. Please only interview an immediate family member or close friend for this piece of assessment (Do not interview any person that is vulnerable as outlined in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) – Updated 2018). If in doubt, please check with the Unit Coordinator. A preliminary analysis of the interview data will then allow you to briefly discuss the main findings (e.g., main themes identified, issues of most concern).

In this 1500-word assessment you are required to:
1) Explain the ethical issues around conducting interviews about your selected topic and give examples based on your topic.
2) Explain the benefits and limitations of qualitative interview research given your chosen topic and interest group.
3) Develop an interview schedule and interview a family member or close friend.
4) Prepare a transcript of the interview.
5) Conduct a preliminary analysis of the interview data and identify the main themes and findings.

Do not identify the person interviewed by name but assign a pseudonym to the interview data collected and do not disclose any identifiers.
A copy of the interview schedule with your open-ended questions (and answers) and the interview transcript must be included in an appendix. The appendix is not included in the word count but is assessed (see the marking criteria).
An Information Sheet and Consent Form will be provided for you to use when undertaking the interview. Please keep a copy of the Consent Form as evidence your participant has given their consent. Do not include the signed Consent Form with your assignment.

Instructions
Literature and references
When addressing the assignment topic, you will need to use contemporary literature to support your discussion. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. References sourced from the world-wide-web must be from reputable websites such as government, university, or peak national bodies. A minimum of seven (7) up-to-date references, including journal articles and relevant books and websites are to be used. You must correctly reference your paper using American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style (current CQUniversity abridged 7th edition – link available in the Assessment block).

Formatting
A 1500-word limit has been set for this assignment. The assignment requires a cover page, discussion, references and appendix section (Information Sheet, interview schedule and interview transcript). To help scaffold your assessment refer to Assessment 3. Tips and Overview presentation located in the Assessment block on the Moodle site. Introduction and conclusion sections are not required for this written assessment.
In your assignment, ensure all your sources are properly cited and use your own words to explain any key points or ideas discussed, and use quotes sparingly (no more than 10% of the word count). Quote and paraphrase properly to avoid breaching academic integrity standards. See the referencing style guide for information on how to paraphrase and avoid plagiarism.

Word limit
1500 words (excluding the cover page, reference list and appendix). The word count is considered from the first word of the Discussion section to the last word of the Discussion section. It excludes the cover page and reference list. It includes in-text references and direct quotations. Do not exceed 1500 words.

Requirements
Include a cover page with your name/student number, unit code, assessment number, unit coordinator, and word count (plus extension details if you have received one).
Include a reference list on a new page after the discussion section.
Include an appendix with the interview schedule and interview transcript on a new page after the reference list.
Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 1.5 line spacing, justified margins and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
Include page numbers on each page in a footer.
Write in the third-person perspective.
Use formal academic language (avoid contractions).
Use the APA (7th ed.) referencing style. The CQU library and CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre have an online version available for download.
Do not use dot points or numbered lists in your written assignment (except for the interview schedule).
Submit your Assessment 3 assignment by the due date.
Submit via SOCL19069 Moodle site through Turnitin.
Upload with the file named in the following format: Surname_ First name_ Student number_ A3

Resources
You can use unit resources (e.g., set textbook (Walter (2019)), eBook readings) and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
For information on academic communication, please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources, including information for students with English as a second language. Consider attending their Zoom sessions on referencing and academic writing.
Before submitting your final assignment file, we recommend you submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score. Instructions are available here .
Double-check all uploaded files to ensure the correct file is submitted. We recommend you save your final assignment file to a new folder and only upload it from this folder.

Submission
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.

Marking Criteria
Refer to the marking rubric that is available here and on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
Please follow the instructions in the Assessment tile on how to access the feedback in your marked assignment when it is returned.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Tuesday (4 Oct 2022) 11:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (21 Oct 2022)

21 October 2022


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply a range of skills and competencies that critically evaluate the use and application of research methods and the analysis of data.
  • Conduct a social survey.
  • Explain and discuss both the benefits and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research and their appropriate contexts for application, while having and understanding of the constraints and concerns associated with undertaking and supervising a research project.
  • Apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

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?