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LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Session1
Session1

Unit description

Develops students’ research knowledge and skills so that they are able to read research reports and use research evidence to inform practice. Students learn to set up and conduct small-scale research projects involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. Examines the political, ethical and organisational contexts of research in social work.

Unit content

1. Introduction to social work research

2. Reading research and critically evaluating research quality

3. Research design and research proposals

4. Using research to inform practice

5. Sampling and data collection

6. Data collection continued

7. Qualitative data analysis

8. Quantitative data analysis

9. Program evaluation and action research

10. Narrative research

11. Ethics applications, project implementation, and dissemination

12. Conclusion

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1Explain the political, ethical and organisational factors impacting on social work research.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2Demonstrate skills in using research evidence to inform social work practice.Knowledge of a discipline
3Critically evaluate the usefulness of different methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, for addressing different research questions.Intellectual rigour
4Set up and critically reflect on a research proposal on a relevant social work topic.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the political, ethical and organisational factors impacting on social work research.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. Demonstrate skills in using research evidence to inform social work practice.
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. Critically evaluate the usefulness of different methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, for addressing different research questions.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  4. Set up and critically reflect on a research proposal on a relevant social work topic.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Prescribed texts

  • Alston, M & Bowles, W, 2018, Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to Methods, 4th edn, Allen & Unwin, Sydney. ISBN: 9781742378893.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 3 hours (12 weeks)
Assessment
Exam: take home30%
Discussion board20%
Research Proposal50%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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