Research Project in Public Health

PUBH6012_Assessment_1_Week_10 Page 1 of 9

ASSESSMENT BRIEF
Subject Code and Title	PUBH6012: Capstone B: Applied Research Project in Public Health
Assessment	Assessment 1: Report
Individual/Group	Individual or Group
Length	5,000 words
Learning Outcomes	This assessment addresses the following learning outcomes: 1. Integrate and apply their knowledge and skills in public health 2. Apply research skills to a public health issue 3. Analyse the results of data collected from research, taking into consideration prior evidence and theory 4. Understand the ethical implications for conducting a piece of public health research 6. Create a final research report
Submission	By 11:55pm AEST/AEDT Sunday of Week 10
Weighting	80%
Total Marks	100 marks

AssignmentTutorOnline

Context:
This assessment advanced skills in reporting the justification, methods, results, and conclusions
of a research project. Key understanding contained includes how to justify a research project
using literature, how to implement a research proposal to collect and analyse data, how to
report the results of the analysis of data, how to contextualise one’s own research in the
context of the wider body of literature, and how to draw conclusions about future research and
recommendations based on research. This prepares students for the conduct and reporting of
research, which is an important skill set for public health practitioners.
Instructions:
Part 1: Due Sunday end of Module 1 Week 1
Based on the feedback from your Capstone A Research Proposal, revise your research plan and
GANTT chart.
Submit these to your Capstone A facilitator by Sunday end of Module 1 Week 1. You may not
proceed with your data collection until this has been approved by your supervising facilitator.
Part 2:
PUBH6012_Assessment_1_Week_10 Page 2 of 9
The final assignment for this subject will be the write-up of the findings of your research into a final
report. This will be comprised of the following parts:
1) Abstract
a. Summary of your report (as you would find in a published research article)
2) Introduction
a. Introduction to and justification of the topic area, drawing upon your literature review (from
Capstone A), and including the knowledge gap your project addresses
b. Your research question
3) Research design and methods
a. Summarise your research design/methods (from Capstone A) – what type of project did you do?
b. How did you collect the data (ie search strategy and process/ policy consultation process)? If a
policy consultation, explain how any organizations/individuals that you consulted with were
approached
c. How did you analyse the data (ie thematic analysis, systematic review process, consultation
synthesis)?
d. Briefly explain the ethical issues that should be considered
4) Results
a. Report the results of your findings, e.g. key themes if a qualitative study, results in table
format if a quantitative study
b. Clearly explain key figures, tables and graphs
5) Discussion: Interpretation and contextualisation of your results
a. Place your results in the context of your literature review
b. Contextualise the results within the academic literature
c. Describe any limitations of your study
6) Conclusion
a. Conclusions from this study
b. Recommendations for future research or policy change based on feasible solutions
7) Supplementary material
a. Reference List
b. Any appendices
This research report format has been based on the standard format for a journal article, and thus
may be submitted to a journal in the future if the student is interested.
NOTE: due to the time constraints around submission and peer review, a submitted article will not
be required as part of this subject. If you wish to develop a journal article, you may seek advice on
how to do this at the end of the Capstone.
PUBH6012_Assessment_1_Week_10 Page 3 of 9
Assessment Criteria:
• Revised and approved project plan and GANTT chart (5%)
• Clear executive summary/abstract which condenses the findings of the report (10%)
• Clear justification and outline of the significance of the topic (5%)
• Justification of the research design and methods, including ethical considerations (10%)
• Clear presentation of results, with transparency of findings (20%)
• Comprehensive discussion of the results within the context of previous studies/theory,
and identification of the limitations of the study, with recommendations for future
research (30%)
• Conclusion with logical recommendations related to the findings and wider literature (10%)
• General assessment criteria (10%):
• Provides a lucid introduction
• Shows a sophisticated understanding of the key issues
• Shows ability to interpret relevant information and literature in relation to
chosen topic
• Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts
• Shows evidence of reading beyond the required readings
• Justifies any conclusions reached with well-formed arguments and not merely
assertions
• Provides a conclusion or summary
• Correctly uses academic writing, presentation and grammar:
• Complies with academic standards of legibility, referencing and bibliographical
details (including reference list)
• Writes clearly, with accurate spelling and grammar as well as proper sentence
and paragraph construction
• Uses appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research
PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 4 of 9
Marking Rubric:

Assessment Attributes	Fail (Unacceptable)	Pass (Functional)	Credit (Proficient)	Distinction (Advanced)	Distinction (Exceptional)
Grade Description (Grading Scheme)	Evidence of unsatisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning objectives of the subject, insufficient understanding of the subject content and/or unsatisfactory level of skill development.	Evidence of satisfactory achievement of subject learning objectives, the development of relevant skills to a competent level, and adequate interpretation and critical analysis skills.	Evidence of a good level of understanding, knowledge and skill development in relation to the content of the subject or work of a superior quality on the majority of the learning objectives of the subject. Demonstration of a high level of interpretation and critical analysis skills.	Evidence of a high level of achievement of the learning objectives of the subject demonstrated in such areas as interpretation and critical analysis, logical argument, use of methodology and communication skills.	Evidence of an exceptional level of achievement of learning objectives across the entire content of the course demonstrated in such areas as interpretation and critical analysis, logical argument, creativity, originality, use of methodology and communication skills.

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 5 of 9

Revised and approved project plan and GANTT chart 5%

No or insufficient GANTT chart provided. GANTT chart lists assessment brief items only. Times are unrealistic.

GANTT chart provided. Some understanding of its purpose demonstrated through actions listed. Times may not be realistic.

GANTT chart provided. Clear understanding of the purpose and process demonstrated through good consideration of actions required as listed. Times are realistic.

GANTT chart provided. Good understanding of the purpose and process demonstrated through thorough consideration of actions required as listed. Times are realistic.

GANTT chart provided. Excellent understanding of the purpose and process demonstrated through thorough and insightful consideration of actions required as listed. Times are realistic.

 

Clear executive summary/abstract which condenses the findings of the report 10%

There is no abstract, or the abstract does not contain the required elements for an academic abstract.

The abstract contains the elements required for an academic abstract.

The abstract describes the elements required for an academic abstract clearly.

The abstract describes the elements required for an academic abstract clearly and succinctly.

The abstract describes the elements required for an academic abstract in clear, concise, and succinct language

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 6 of 9

Clear justification and outline of the significance of the topic 5%

Specific position (perspective or argument) fails to take into account the complexities of the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Makes assertions that are not justified.

Specific position (perspective or argument) begins to take into account the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Justifies any conclusions reached with arguments not merely assertion.

Specific position (perspective or argument) takes into account the complexities of the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Others’ points of view are acknowledged. Justifies any conclusions reached with well formed arguments not merely assertion.

Specific position (perspective or argument) is expertly presented and accurately takes into account the complexities of the issue(s) and scope of the assignment. Justifies any conclusions reached with well developed arguments.

Specific position (perspective or argument) is presented expertly, authoritatively and imaginatively, accurately taking into account the complexities of the issue(s) and scope of the assignment. Limits of position are acknowledged. Justifies any conclusions reached with sophisticated arguments.

 

Justification of research design and methods, including ethical considerations 10%

Limited synthesis and analysis. Limited application/ recommendations based upon analysis. No consideration of ethical issues.

Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application. Limited consideration of ethical issues.

Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application of recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. Good consideration of ethical issues.

Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of pretested models and / or independently developed models linked to analysis/ synthesis. Excellent consideration of

Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new with existing knowledge. Strong application by way of pretested models and / or independently developed models. Applying knowledge to new situations/other

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 7 of 9

ethical issues.	cases. Outstanding consideration of ethical issues.
Clear presentation of results, with transparency of findings 20%	Limited synthesis and analysis. Explanation is unclear, or missing..	Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application. Shows some ability to interpret data.	Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application. Shows good ability to interpret data.	Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of pretested models and / or independently developed models. Shows excellent ability to interpret data.	Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new with existing knowledge. Strong application by way of pretested models and / or independently developed models. Shows outstanding ability to interpret data.
Comprehensive discussion of the results within the context of previous studies/theory, and identification of the limitations of the study, with recommendations for future research	Limited synthesis and analysis. Limited application/recommenda tions based upon analysis. Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge Key components of the assignment are not	Demonstrated analysis and synthesis of new knowledge with application. Shows the ability to interpret relevant information. Resembles a recall or summary of key ideas. Often conflates/	Well-developed analysis and synthesis with application of recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. Supports personal opinion and information substantiated by evidence from the research/course	Thoroughly developed and creative analysis and synthesis with application of pretested models and / or independently developed models and justified recommendations linked to analysis/synthesis. Discriminates	Highly sophisticated and creative analysis, synthesis of new with existing knowledge. Strong application by way of pretested models and / or independently developed models. Recommendations are clearly justified based on the analysis/synthesis. Applying knowledge

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 8 of 9

30%

addressed.

confuses assertion of personal opinion with information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials.

materials. Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts.

between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Well demonstrated capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts.

to new situations/other cases. Systematically and critically iscriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading. Mastery of concepts and application to new situations/further learning.

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 9 of 9

Conclusion with logical recommendations related to your findings and the wider literature 10%

Specific position (perspective or argument) fails to take into account the complexities of the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Makes assertions that are not justified.

Specific position (perspective or argument) begins to take into account the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Justifies any conclusions reached with arguments not merely assertion.

Specific position (perspective or argument) takes into account the complexities of the issue(s) or scope of the assignment. Others’ points of view are acknowledged. Justifies any conclusions reached with well formed arguments not merely assertion

Specific position (perspective or argument) is expertly presented and accurately takes into account the complexities of the issue(s) and scope of the assignment. Justifies any conclusions reached with well- developed arguments

Specific position (perspective or argument) is presented expertly, authoritatively and imaginatively, accurately taking into account the complexities of the issue(s) and scope of the assignment. Limits of position are Acknowledged. Justifies any conclusions reached with sophisticated arguments..

PUBH6012_Assessment_Brief_1_Week_10 Page 10 of 9

General Assessment Criteria 10%

Poorly written with errors in spelling. Demonstrates inconsistent use of good quality, credible and relevant research sources to support and develop ideas. There are mistakes in using the APA style., grammar.

Is written according to academic genre e.g. with introduction, conclusion or summary) and has accurate spelling, grammar, sentence and paragraph construction. Demonstrates consistent use of credible and relevant research sources to support and develop ideas, but these are not always explicit or well developed. There are no mistakes in using the APA style.

Is well-written and adheres to the academic genre (e.g. with introduction, conclusion or summary). Demonstrates consistent use of high quality, credible and relevant research sources to support and develop ideas. There are no mistakes in using the APA style.

Is very well-written and adheres to the academic genre. Consistently demonstrates expert use of good quality, credible and relevant research sources to support and develop appropriate arguments and statements. Shows evidence of reading beyond the key reading There are no mistakes in using the APA style

Expertly written and adheres to the academic genre. Demonstrates expert use of high quality, credible and relevant research sources to support and develop arguments and position statements. Shows extensive evidence of reading beyond the key reading There are no mistakes in using the APA Style.