Overview
This course develops foundational methods for comparing consumer products in a structured, objective, and decision-useful manner. Students examine comparison criteria, product features and benefits, price and total value, quality and durability, target-user suitability, and the organization of findings in tables and concise reports.
Through applied exercises across multiple product categories, students practice gathering and checking information, distinguishing verifiable evidence from opinion and promotional claims, identifying missing data, applying weighted decision criteria, evaluating trade-offs, and formulating clear evidence-based recommendations. The course establishes basic research, analysis, and communication skills relevant to business and consumer decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
- Define relevant and measurable criteria for comparing products across differing consumer categories.
- Differentiate product features, functional benefits, claims, opinions, and verifiable evidence.
- Gather, evaluate, and organize product information from appropriate primary and secondary sources.
- Apply weighted decision criteria to calculate or estimate relative product value.
- Analyze quality, durability, price, total cost, and target-user suitability when comparing products.
- Identify missing, ambiguous, or potentially misleading information in product communications.
- Synthesize comparison findings into concise, transparent, and evidence-based recommendations.
- Present product trade-offs and recommendations clearly in tabular, written, and oral formats.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Comparison criteria and source evaluation exercise | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Product comparison table and evidence log | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Weighted value analysis report | 20.00% |
| Quiz | In-class comparison quizzes (4 × 5%) | 20.00% |
| Test | Comparative recommendation presentation | 10.00% |
| Exam | Final evidence-based comparison report | 15.00% |
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.