In the third Assessment Task, you are invited to enquire into how we investigate longer term perspectives on health issues, an example of how insights have been gained into a particular health problem (*obesity) over the longer term, and issues in linking future projections to present-day decision making and action. Due date: 14 June 2016 Task: 2,500 written piece of work The health challenges we see around us, and can measure using various techniques, tend to be the top priorities for public health decision makers. However, those working in the field of prevention are interested in ensuring populations, communities and individuals are not affected by a health condition or disease in the future. In this Assessment Task, you are invited to learn about techniques we use to gain insights into possible or probable futures, and how scientists have used these techniques to gain insight into a particular health problem (*obesity) over the longer term. You are then invited to consider the value of taking a longer term view on a health issue related to your major research project. 1. Read the selected readings in the Reading List [Section: Assessment Task 3]. Also do wider reading of scholarly resources to deepen your understanding of the topic of health futures. 2. Reflect on these three questions (approximately 800 words each): a. What methods are available for exploring alternative futures? What types of data do they use? Which of these methods are often used by scientists, and why? What is your opinion of their validity, reliability and value? Justify your response. b. What methods have been used in studies about the future of *obesity? What do these studies demonstrate and conclude? What issues are there been identified in how these studies have been interpreted and used in advocacy for action on *obesity (refer to Gard’s work)? c. Have longer term perspectives on a health issue relevant to your major research project been investigated? Briefly report on their methods, findings and their value for policy making and action. * Obesity is recommended as a focus for this AT but students are welcome to select and research a different noncommunicable disease. 2 MARKING GUIDE Criterion Introduction and Conclusion A concise, informative introduction to the Assessment Task was provided A concise conclusion that reflects on the focus of the Assessment Task was provided. Possible marks: 5 2a Each set question was effectively addressed with reference to scholarly resources: What methods are available for exploring alternative futures? What types of data do they use? Which of these methods are often used by scientists, and why? What is your opinion of their validity, reliability and value? Justify your response. Possible marks: 20 2b Each set question was effectively addressed with reference to scholarly resources: What methods have been used in studies about the future of *obesity? What do these studies show and conclude? What issues are there been identified in how these studies have been interpreted and used in advocacy for action on *obesity? Possible marks: 20 2c Each set question was effectively addressed with reference to scholarly resources: Have longer term perspectives on a health issue relevant to your major research project been investigated? Briefly report on their methods, findings and their value for policy making and action. Possible marks: 20 Literature Relevant peer-reviewed literature (eg journal articles) and government and non-government reports (‘grey literature’) were sourced and effectively utilised. Possible marks: 10 Analysis Original analyses of scholarly literature and ideas were evident and communicated in student’s own words. Possible marks: 15 Structure, format and presentation The task was submitted with a cover sheet that includes: name, student ID number, assessment topic, number of words excluding reference list, date, subject name and code Appropriate format was used Information was presented in a clear, coherent and logical manner High quality English expression was used Spelling and grammar were accurate Technical terms or jargon were briefly defined Word count was observed (ie 3000 words +/- 10%) Possible marks: 5 Academic integrity All sources of ideas, facts and information from sources were properly acknowledged APA6 referencing style was correctly used In-text referencing and reference list were accurate and complete Possible marks: 5 Total 100 Other Recommended Resources: