Unit information: Research Methods in Social Work in 2020/21

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Unit name Research Methods in Social Work
Unit code SPOLM0057
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

Description including Unit Aims

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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  1. Identify and analyse critically the quality and use of research in social work and policy.
  2. Identify commonly arising errors in research,
  3. Search the literature and critically appraise and synthesise primary and secondary research.
  4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of research methods, and key concepts and practical and ethical issues in different research designs.
  5. Pose answerable research questions and design an empirical study using the methods most suited to answering them

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through blended learning involiving a combination of syncronic and asyncronic sessions, including online lectures, study groups and self-directed exercises

Workshops and consultation on developing a research proposal will also take place.

Assessment Information

A summative assessment comprising a 1500 word structured dissertation outline proposal (ILOs 1-5) (100%)

Reading and References

- Babbie, E.R. (2013) The Practice of Social Research (13th ed.) UK: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. -Bryman, A. (2016) Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press. - Creswell, J. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. - Gilbert N, Stoneman, P (ed.) (2015) Researching Social Life. (4thnd ed.) London: Sage. - Schutt, R.K. (2012) Investigating the Social World, London: Sage. -Becker, S., Bryman, A. and Ferguson, H. (2012) Understanding Research for Social Policy and Social Work: Themes, Methods and Approaches, 2nd edn. Bristol: Policy Press. - Hardwick, L. and Worsley, A. (2011) Doing Social Work Research, London: Sage. - McLaughlin, H. (2012) Understanding Social Work Research, 2nd edn. London: Sage. - Whittaker, A. (2012) Research Skills for Social Work, London: Sage.

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