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Unit outline_

CSCD3085: Speech Pathology Research Methods

Semester 2 Early, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

In this unit students will learn the basic principles of designing, undertaking and analysing research in speech pathology. This will enable students to be more careful consumers (and, perhaps, producers) of research when they become clinicians and to appreciate the fundamental link between research skills and evidence-based practice. This unit will also lay the groundwork for students who might be considering a research higher degree. A variety of topics will be explored including correlational techniques, hypothesis testing and qualitative methods. Exercises and examples will relate specifically to the basic science and applied aspects of speech pathology. Students will gain experience using SPSS statistical analysis software or equivalent.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Robert Heard, rob.heard@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Robert Heard, rob.heard@sydney.edu.au
Tatjana Seizova-Cajic, tatjana.seizova-cajic@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final exam
Short answer and MCQ
50% Formal exam period 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO10 LO14 LO1 LO2 LO3
Small test SPSS/PSPP and textbook tests
MCQ
20% Multiple weeks 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
Small test Research methodology appraisal
Short answer questions
30% Week 05 1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO14 LO9 LO8
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Research methodology appraisal: In this open book assessment, students will critically appraise a published research paper and comment on research design and methodology. The article to be critiqued will be assigned to students in week 4.  Additional skills will also be tested.

SPSS/PSPP and textbook tests: These tests will contain questions about SPSS/PSPP processes and output.

Final exam: This exam will contain multiple choice and short answer questions, including samples of SPSS/PSPP data sets and output, and excerpts from the results sections of journal articles, for some questions and clinical data to interpret.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, ethics, and epidemiological concepts Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO8 LO9 LO14
Week 02 Variables, measurement, and bias Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO8 LO9
Week 03 Observational study designs: cross-sectional; cohort; case-control Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 04 Experimental research; single-case studies Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO9
Week 06 Introduction to qualitative research Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO14
Week 07 Introduction to statistics: Descriptive statistics Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
Introduction to SPSS/PSPP: frequencies and descriptives Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO12 LO13
Week 08 Introduction to statistics: Inferential statistics Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
SPSS/PSPP: comparing means Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO12 LO13
Week 09 Continuous data: Comparing means (two means) Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
SPSS/PSPP: repeated measurements Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO12 LO13
Week 10 Continuous data: Comparing means (more than two means) Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
SPSS/PSPP: ANOVA and K-W Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO11 LO12 LO13
Week 11 Continuous data: Correlation/regression Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO10 LO12 LO13
SPSS/PSPP: correlation/regression Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO12 LO13
Week 12 Categorical data: OR, RR, Chi square Lecture (2 hr) LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13
SPSS/PSPP: Crosstabulations, chi square, phi coefficients and Cramer's V Computer laboratory (1 hr) LO4 LO12 LO13
Week 13 Big data, revision, and final exam preparation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 LO14

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend two hours of lectures weekly unless otherwise advised. A computer lab/tutorial has been booked for students during weeks 7 – 13. Learning to use SPSS will save you a LOT of time calculating stats, and generally provides a feeling of accomplishment at mastering sophisticated software.  Not attending these sessions is likely to lead not only to the severe displeasure of your tutor (not a step to be undertaken lightly), but also to wailing, gnashing of teeth, and despair when faced with the associated quiz and examination questions.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Irwin, D.L, Pannbacker, M. & Lass, J.L. (2013) Clinical Research Methods in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (2nd Ed) Plural Publishing

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the principles of ethics in research in a speech pathology context
  • LO2. identify key differences between research involving large data sets and those involving small data sets, and be aware of the nature of population studies, longitudinal studies and case studies that could be applied to speech pathology
  • LO3. compare different research methods in quantitative research (i.e. cohort studies, case-control studies, randomised controlled trials, time series design)
  • LO4. interpret diagnostic speech pathology data in a 2x2 table and calculate related outcomes (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, LR- and odds-ratio)
  • LO5. demonstrate a clear understanding of a variety of qualitative research methods used in speech pathology and concepts including thematic analysis, narrative inquiry, triangulation, participant confirmation and giving the participant a voice
  • LO6. contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods in speech pathology
  • LO7. develop written data collection and data management/storage plans for a client or group using a template
  • LO8. describe assessment-based statistical testing in lay terms for parents and clients, in addition to other health professionals
  • LO9. identify bias and confounding factors within a study in written form and offer written solutions for bias and confounding
  • LO10. analyse and interpret speech pathology clinical data by planning data collection and completing analysis and interpretation to guide decision making
  • LO11. determine and explain the difference between ‘parametric’ and ‘non-parametric’ tests and how to formally test for normal distribution of continuous data to select appropriate statistical analyses for any given data
  • LO12. use SPSS or PSPP to perform descriptive statistics and be able to interpret SPSS or PSPP output
  • LO13. demonstrate familiarity with the principles of hypothesis testing, and skill in using SPSS or PSPP to conduct and interpret a one sample t-test, independent samples t-test/Mann-Whitney, paired samples t-test/Wilcoxon, one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation/Spearman correlation and simple regression
  • LO14. identify as a research-based speech pathologist when working with clients and other organisations such as funding bodies (e.g. National Disability Insurance Scheme).

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
LO2
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
LO3
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
LO4
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
LO5
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
LO6
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
LO7
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
LO8
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
LO9
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.8. Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.3. Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
4.6. Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7. Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists - SPA
3.2. Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
7.2. Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
3.2 A T Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
4.3 T A Undertake continuing evaluation of speech pathology intervention and modify as necessary.
4.6 T A Undertake preventative, educational and/or promotional projects or programs on speech pathology and other related topics as part of a team with other professionals.
5.7 T A Collaborate in research initiated and/or supported by others.
5.8 T A Participate in and collaborate on the evaluation of speech pathology services.
7.2 T A Participate in professional development and continually reflect on practice.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit has been offered previously, but is being taught online for the first time this year.

For tutorials and home exercises students need statistical software. Either SPSS or PSPP must be used to achieve the learning outcomes in this unit.  SPSS can be accessed remotely from the University using Citrix Workspace software.  See https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/student-it/apps.html and go down the bottom of the page to Citrix Workspace. Please DO NOT load Citrix Receiver instead.  You will regret it.  PSPP can be loaded on your own computer for free from https://www.gnu.org/software/pspp/get.html Anyone who tries to run SPSS or PSPP on a tablet or phone is on their own.

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