Course coordinator
Professor Kelly Fielding
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course provides a foundation for the next level of discipline-specific research methods by introducing qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as a practical understanding of research in academic and professional settings.
This course introduces students to the communication research process. It aims to develop students’ ability to evaluate research and apply insights from research to address real world problems. The goal is for students to become educated consumers of research so that they can use research to inform their future professional practice. A ‘learning by doing’ approach is taken in the course to help student gain a deeper understanding of the research process. The course covers principles ofﾠquantitative and qualitative research, basic quantitative and qualitative analysis of data and commonly used quantitative and qualitative research methods. ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a second year course and so it is assumed that students have completed the first year of their degree before undertaking it. You should NOT enrol in this course in the first semester of your study.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Students must have completed at least 8 units of study before enrolling in this course.
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 35 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Kelly Fielding
Tutor
Dr Adam Dodd
Miss Tahmina Haque
Mr John Pearce
Ms Susanna Su
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop students' understanding of the research process and their ability to evaluate and use research to inform real world practice. The course introduces fundamental principles of quantitative and qualitative research, and familiarises students with commonly used communication research methods. The focus is on developing a deeper understanding of the research process through a 'learning by doing' approach.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the research process.
LO2.
Understand fundamental principles of quantitative research.
LO3.
Understand fundamental principles of qualitative research.
LO4.
Understand the fundamental principles relating to ethical conduct of research.
LO5.
Become familiar with research methodologies commonly used to investigate communication behaviour: surveys; experiments; content analysis; interviews; ethnographic observation.
LO6.
Critically evaluate social research
LO7.
Use research to find answers to real world problems.
LO8.
Design and conduct a survey research project and report on the project.
LO9.
Work collaboratively to undertake a research project.
LO10.
Communicate about research to professional and lay audiences.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Assessment 1: Online quizzes
|
30% |
Quiz 1: Week 5 Quiz 2: Week 7 Quiz 3: Week 9 Quiz 4: Week 11
In-class activity during tutorials |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Assessment 2: Individual research proposal | 25% |
14/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Assessment 3: Survey research project
|
30% |
28/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Reflection | Assessment 4: Individual reflection | 15% |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Assessment 1: Online quizzes
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Quiz 1: Week 5
Quiz 2: Week 7
Quiz 3: Week 9
Quiz 4: Week 11
In-class activity during tutorials
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
An online quiz will be conducted in the Weeks 5, 7, 9 and 11 tutorials.
- Each quiz will be open-book.
- Each quiz will consist of 10 multiple choice questions, each worth one mark.
- Quiz 1 (held in Week 5 tutorials) assesses lecture and tutorial content for weeks 1 to 3. Quiz 2 (held in Week 7 tutorials) assesses lecture and tutorial content for weeks 4 and 5. Quiz 3 (held in Week 9 tutorials) assesses lecture and tutorial content for weeks 6 and 7. Quiz 4 (held in Week 11 tutorials) assesses lecture and tutorial content for weeks 9 and 10.
- Of the 4 quizzes, results from your best 3 quizzes will form your grade. For example, if you score 4, 7, 8 and 9, your grade will be 7+8+9=24
- You will have 20 minutes to complete each quiz.
- You will be able to access the quiz from Blackboard only during tutorials.
- The quiz for each tutorial timeslot will draw from a large pool of questions so that no tutorial will get the same quiz.
- The quiz will be delivered through Inspera and can only be completed on a laptop computer or a tablet.
- A practice quiz will be made available on Blackboard in the week before each of the quizzes.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Completed online via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Note that the dates below will be the only opportunities to sit the deferred quizzes. If you do not sit the deferred quiz at this time you will receive zero marks for that specific quiz.
The deferred exam for each quiz will be held as below:
- Quiz 1: 9am, Wednesday 9th April, Room 312, Joyce Ackroyd Building (Building 37)
- Quiz 2: 9am, Wednesday 30th April, Room 312, Joyce Ackroyd Building (Building 37)
- Quiz 3: 9am, Wednesday 14th May, Room 312, Joyce Ackroyd Building (Building 37)
- Quiz 4: 9am, Wednesday 28th May, Room 312, Joyce Ackroyd Building (Building 37)
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this assessment.
Assessment 2: Individual research proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
14/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
The second assessment requires students to write an individual research proposal for the survey research project. The proposal will help students to individually develop their ideas about the survey research project through coming up with a problem statement and research questions, identifying the variables in the research questions, proposing survey questions to measure the variables, and reflecting on how to ethically conduct the survey research. The feedback from the individual proposal will help guide Assessment 3, the group survey research project.
Aims of the Assessment
- To apply key concepts learned in the course by working collaboratively with your group to conceptualize the research project, experiment with ideas, and collect data.
- To individually develop a research proposal based on the group’s topic, showcasing your understanding and planning skills.
- To prepare for Assessment 3 by receiving feedback on your individual proposal, which will guide your final submission.
There is no doubt that AI is being used and will be used in the future to help researchers. You can use AI to help with elements of this assessment, for example, generating ideas for research questions and helping you to locate relevant literature on your topic. Any use of AI in the assignment should be acknowledged. Include this attribution (what element you used AI for) just before the Reference section. If you have not used AI for any aspect of the report, then you should also state this. Machine Translation (MT) should not be used for any aspect of the assessment. The use of MT or the failure to reference AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 3: Survey research project
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
28/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Aims of the Assessment
- To understand fundamental principles of quantitative research
- To understand fundamental principles of qualitative research
- To become familiar with research methodologies commonly used to investigate communication behaviour, in particular, surveys.
- To design and conduct a survey research project and report on the project
- To work collaboratively to undertake a research project
- To communicate about research to professional and lay audience
The assessment requires you to work in groups to conduct a small survey research project and then write a group report on the project. Detailed assessment guidelines will be provided on the course site and in tutorials.
There is no doubt that AI is being used and will be used in the future to help researchers. You can use AI to help with elements of this assessment, for example, generating ideas for research questions, helping you conduct the quantitative and qualitative analyses. An organisation would not expect to get a report that was written by AI (largely for privacy reasons); therefore, the report should be your own work. Any use of AI in the assignment should be acknowledged. Include this attribution (what element you used AI for) just before the Reference section. If you have not used AI for any aspect of the report, then you should also state this. Machine Translation (MT) should not be used for any aspect of the assessment. The use of MT or the failure to reference AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment 4: Individual reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
All research has its limitations (even research conducted by well-funded experienced researchers!). In this reflection you will evaluate your survey research project through applying what you’ve learned in the course to identify any limitations, discuss the implications of these limitations for your findings, and make suggestions for how they could be overcome in future research. The specific aims of the assessment are:
- to demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of quantitative research
- to demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles of qualitative research
- to demonstrate understanding of the fundamental principles relating to ethical conduct of research
- to critically evaluate social research
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
- Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard Course Site
All courses are supported by the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn, which provides an interactive environment for the students and teachers. This is accessible via PC or Mac or Mobile (Apps) environment.
To log on to Blackboard, go to https://learn.uq.edu.au.
As Blackboard is a web‐based application, you will need a recently‐released browser for your computer.
For the latest Release Notes for Bb Student, see http://en-gb.help.blackboard.com/Bb_Student/z_Release_Notes_Bb_Student.
The latest browsers are available online from the UQconnect website at http://uqconnect.net/helpdesk/downloads or on the free CDs available from Ask I.T. and UQconnect desks. Contact Ask I.T. on (07) 3365 8811 http://www.library.uq.edu.au/ask‐it or UQconnect on (07) 3365 6000.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Introduction to the course and the research process Learning outcomes: L01 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Fundamental principles: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and research ethics Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: The tutorials will be conducted as workshops that include exercises designed to increase understanding and application of lecture content as well as aide with completion of assessment. Group work is an essential aspect of the course and so attending tutorials to work with your group is essential. Groups for upcoming assessment will be formed in this tutorial. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L09 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Fundamental principles: Sampling Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L09 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Fundamental principles: measurement Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L02, L09 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Quantitative methods: surveys and experiments Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: ASSESSMENT 1: QUIZ 1 TO BE HELD IN THE TUTORIALS Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L09 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Quantitative methods: content analysis Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 Tutorial: Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L02, L05, L09 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Basic quantitative analysis Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: ASSESSMENT 1 - QUIZ 2 HELD IN TUTORIALS Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L02, L09 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 8: NO LECTURES OR TUTORIALS No classes in Week 8 due to Good Friday holiday |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Qualitative methods: interviews and focus groups Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: ASSESSMENT 1: QUIZ 3 TO BE HELD IN TUTORIALS Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L09 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Qualitative methods - ethnography and participant observation Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L09 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Qualitative analysis Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: ASSESSMENT 1: QUIZ 4 HELD IN TUTORIALS Tutorial exercises, assessment guidance, group work Learning outcomes: L03, L09 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Future challenges for communication researchers Learning outcomes: L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Final feedback and guidance about assessment with tutors Learning outcomes: L09 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 13: NO LECTURES OR TUTORIALS |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.