Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Social Research and Program Evaluation

• Unit Code

  CSV3114

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit provides an understanding of applied research methods with a focus on programme evaluation. The unit examines a number of approaches to research which can be used by human service administrators and workers. Students will explores the process of designing and completing a small research project. The unit provides a knowledge base and skills for undertaking research in human service organisations.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded HSA3113

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse data (qualitative and/or quantitative).
2. Analyse ethical issues in social research.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of the role of research in human service practice.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the major research paradigms.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the research process.
6. Demonstrate basic requirements of report writing.
7. Design and undertake small research project.
8. Interpret data and present findings.

Unit Content

1. Critiquing and writing reports.
2. Data analysis.
3. Literature review.
4. Negotiating organisational politics.
5. Power and ethics in research.
6. Research design, skills and ethical issues.
7. Research paradigms designs and methodologies.
8. Strategies for implementing research results.
9. Use and role of social research in human services.
10. Various approaches to research.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorial sessions, case studies and practical work team work skills.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Walter, M. (Ed.). (2013). Social Research Methods (3rd ed.). Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Owen, J. (2006). Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches (3rd ed.). Australia, Unwin and Unwin.
• Davidson, E. (2005). Evaluation methodology basics: The nuts and bolts of sound evaluation. London: Sage.
• Devarajan, S., Dollar, D., Holmgren, T. (2000). Aid and reform in South Africa: Lessons from ten case studies. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
• Eberst, L. (2005). Research methods and society: Foundations of social inquiry. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
• Grembowski, D. (2001). The practice of Health Program Evaluation. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Stufflebeam, D., Madaus, D., & Kellaghan, T. (2000). Evaluation models (Rev ed.). Boston: Kluwer.
• Posavac, E., & Carey, R. (2003). Program evaluation. Methods and case studies (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• McNeill, P. (2005). Research methods. New York: Routledge.
• Krueger, R., & Casey, M. (2000). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Herrel, J., & Straw, R. (Eds.). (2002). Conducting multiple site evaluations in real world settings. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Journal References

• Evaluation
• Evaluation and Program Planning
• Evaluation and the Health Professionals
• Evaluation Review
• Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis

^ Mandatory reference

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