Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Regional Professional Studies (Bunbury)

School: Regional Professional Studies

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 Work Research Methods

• Unit Code

  SWK6112

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

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Description

In this unit, students will learn how to design a plan to undertake research. Students will develop a research question in a topic of interest relevant to social work. Students will then design a research proposal and submit an ethics application to conduct research.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Communicate a research plan to a specialist and non-specialist audience; and,
2. Create a research proposal using relevant research methodologies that demonstrate culturally safe practice.
3. Demonstrate an ability to complete an ethics application.
4. Demonstrate reflexivity in the creation of a research proposal.
5. Review and apply research literature to the development of a research question relevant to social work.

Unit Content

1. Ethics application writing and process.
2. Ethics, knowledge and culture in designing research projects.
3. Literature review methods and processes.
4. Oral presentation skills to communicate and defend research proposals.
5. Reading research critically.
6. Research methodologies.
7. Research proposal writing.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit will be taught online via Blackboard with support and guidance from a research supervisor.

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

• William, M. & Vogt, P. (2011). The SAGE Handbook of innovation in social research methods. London, UK: SAGE Publications.
• Wadsworth, Y. (2001). Do it yourself social research. (3rd ed.). Walnutt Creek, CA.: Left Coast Press.
• Smith, L. T. (1999). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and Indigenous peoples. London; New York; Dunedin, N.Z.: Zed Books; University of Otago Press; Distributed in the USA exclusively by St. Martin's Press.
• McKenzie, G. (2013). Understanding social research: Perspectives on methodology and practice. Hoboken, N.J.: Taylor and Francis.
• Bhandarkar, P.L., Wilkinson, T.S., & Laldas, D.K. (2010). Methodology and techniques of social research. Mumbai, India: Himalaya Publishing House.
• Grbich, C. (2004). New approaches in social research. London, UK: SAGE Publications.
• Denscombe, M. (2010). Ground rules for social research: Guidelines for good practice. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.
• Dan, A. (2008). Essentials of social research. Maidenhead, UK: McGraw-Hill Education.
• Love, K. (Ed). (2012). Ethics in social research. Bingley, UK: Emerald.

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