Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - HSCI 803 G100

Qualitative and Survey Research Methods (4)

Class Number: 7080

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Methodologies and strategic research design for advances in knowledge and understanding in the health sciences. Problem definition, sampling, data collection, analysis, proposal writing, and ethical issues are addressed. Provides experiential and intellectual grounding in surveys, interviews, focus groups, and ethnography.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine qualitative and survey research methods for advancing knowledge and understanding in the health sciences. We will explore qualitative and survey research design principles and techniques. The course will provide experiential and intellectual grounding in several qualitative data collection and survey data collection techniques. We will also examine the use of qualitative and survey research to study the various determinants of health.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Explain the logic, purpose, strengths, and weaknesses of a variety of qualitative
research approaches for advancing knowledge and understanding in the health
sciences;
Explain the logic, purpose, strengths, and weaknesses of survey research for
advancing knowledge and understanding in the health sciences;
• Describe the use of qualitative and survey research for a variety of determinants
of health;
• Demonstrate introductory skills in qualitative and survey research design
including:

  • Development of research questions,
  • Attention to ethical conduct for research involving humans, and
  • Choosing appropriate sampling strategies, sample sizes, data collection
  • techniques and instruments, and analysis plans;
• Demonstrate introductory skills in a variety of research data collection techniques
including:
  • Participant observation,
  • Individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews,
  • Focus groups, and
  • Surveys.

Grading

  • Class and tutorial participation 15%
  • Observation assignment 20%
  • Interview assignment 20%
  • Survey assignment 20%
  • Final research proposal 25%

NOTES:

Class & Tutorial Participation (worth 15% of your final grade) Each student will begin the semester with a score of 15 out of 15 for participation.
All students are expected to participate fully as detailed above and retain a score of 15. Class and tutorial attendance is an important part of this participation grade. A student's participation score will be decreased if a student does not attend class or tutorial (-1 point per missed session), or for students who do not accomplish the participation tasks assigned throughout the semester (-1 point per missed participation task). If a student will be absent from class to observe a holy day, please inform me of the date of this absence by e-mail before the start of the second week of the course.  

Data Collection and Analysis Assignments (worth a total of 60% of your final grade) There are three data collection and analysis assignments.  
·       The Observation Assignment is an opportunity to try out participant observation and the development of field notes and reflections. This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade.  
·       The Interview Assignment requires you to conduct an individual, semi-structured, in-depth interview and perform some preliminary analysis. This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade.  
·       The Survey Assignment has you create, administer, and analysis a short, web-based survey. This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade.  

Final Research Proposal (worth 25% of your final grade) You will summarize your learning over the semester through the creation of a research study using either qualitative or survey research methods. This assignment will be in the form of a research proposal.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Green, J., Thorogood, N. (2014). Qualitative methods for health research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
  • Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey research methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA:Sage Publications.
• Additional readings will be found online or made available through Canvas

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS