Building and examining research capability in Australian health students: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Research honours programs are traditionally used in Australian universities to build and evaluate research capacity in undergraduate health students. The effectiveness of such programs in achieving this in the current higher education landscape has not recently been explored. This mixed methods study examined 66 health research honours programs. Webpage, survey and interview data were gathered to examine the learning outcomes, pedagogical approaches, assessment practices, and the purpose of the programs. Learning outcomes included conducting research, working with independence, critical thinking and collaborating. Pedagogical approaches focussed on the completion of a research project under supervision and a research thesis featured as the main assessment piece. Rigorous moderation practices were employed within assessment procedures. However, there was considerable variation in standards of high performance. The stated purpose of honours programs included development of research skills, providing a stepping stone into a research career, preparation of the health workforce, and production of research. Models for building and examining research capability should draw from the strengths of this approach which include authentic learning and assessment. Sector-wide benchmarking of performance standards and the inclusion of learning outcomes that consider research within clinical careers would strengthen the role of honours programs into the future.