| Unit name | Research Methods in Social Work |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0057 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Turner |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
To safeguard against professionals doing more harm than good when they intervene in the lives of other people, the dictum of evidence-based practice advocates that their policies and practices should be informed by rigorous and up-to date research. Yet how busy professionals navigate the challenges of accessing and evaluating research to inform their practice and decision making remains elusive. This unit aims to familiarise you with the principles and ethics of social work research and provide the context of a critical understanding of the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including mixed methods. You will also develop your skills and become critical consumers of the research literature and be able to undertake a systematic search and review of research literature.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This a level 7 mandatory unit that provides an opportunity for a selected overview of the most often used methods of research in Social Work. It complements learning across other units within the Social Work programme and acts as preparation for the Dissertation in Year 2.
An overview of content
This unit considers a variety of research methods and data analytical approaches available to facilitate exploration of the effects of Social Work policy and/or practice. It considers the pros and cons of quantitative and qualitative approaches and how such approaches can often be complementary, considers examples of UK and international research, and examines how evidence-based practice (and policy) can be meaningfully utilised in a variety of settings to address practical challenges with the aim to improve the lives of those receiving social work services.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will explore a variety of research methods and data analytic approaches which can be utilised in social work research. You will gain knowledge of the merits of the research modalities presented in the unit and you will have a more sophisticated appreciation of the differences between research but also better equipped in finding common ground between them. You will develop core skills in critical understanding of research methods, evaluation, and writing which will be demonstrated in the unit assessment.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
The unit will consist of weekly lectures, practical exercises and guided independent study. Weekly lectures will include interactive elements, providing opportunity for discussion. Learning will be facilitated by activities such as engaging with audio/visual resources and structured readings. In preparation for lectures, you will be tasked to complete preparatory reading of case studies, independent learning activities alongside student discussion. Group work following lectures will provide further opportunities to enhance learning and appreciation of research methods and research approaches for many aspects of social work practice (and policy) further facilitated by input from the unit director.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The topic and specifics of the research proposal will build on discussions and tasks held within the lectures; verbal formative feedback will be provided within the group exercises at the end of every session, office hour and through a discussion thread on Blackboard.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Research proposal (100%, 3000 word maximum).
You will be able to present a research proposal on any social work- related policy or practice issue considered within the programme.
This assessment covers all of the intended learning outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, and the regulatory requirements of Social Work England, you may be offered an opportunity for reassessment in the failed element(s). If you are eligible to resubmit and where appropriate, you may submit a revised version of your previous assignment or complete an alternative assessment in the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0057).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
