| Unit name | Research Methods in Social Work |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0033 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Turner |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims to acquaint students with the principles and ethics of social work research and a critical understanding of the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including mixed methods. Students will also develop their skills and critical consumers of the research literature and be able to undertake a systematic search and review of research literature
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
i) Identify and analyse critically the quality and use of research in social work and policy.
ii) Identify commonly arising errors in research,
iii) Search the literature and critically appraise and synthesise primary and secondary research.
iv) Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods, and key concepts and practical and ethical issues in different research designs.
v) Pose answerable research questions and design an empirical study using the methods most suited to answering them
14 x 2 hour lectures and whole class-based workshop sessions
An individual consultation on research proposal.
A research proposal(4000 words)
Becker, S, Bryman, A and Ferguson, H (2012) Understanding research for social policy and social work. Themes, methods and approaches. Bristol: Policy Press (2nd Edn).
McLaughlin, H. (2012) Understanding Social Work Research 2nd Edition. London, Sage.
Robson C (2011), Real World Research, Oxford, Blackwell, 3rd edn.
Shaw, I et al. (Eds,) (2010) The SAGE Handbook of Social Work Research: London: Sage.
Smith, R (2009) Doing Social Work Research, Maidenhead: Open University Press.
